Being single, especially with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, is seen by most people as a sad and lonely existence. With society having conditioned our minds that the key to a happy life is being in a relationship, singlehood is not the path to take. A recent study however says that for a certain group of people, being single is the key to happiness.
More People Choosing To Be Single Longer
Studies have shown that recently more and more people stay single longer by choice, and choose to marry later than usual. The University of Auckland study called “Happily Single” cites the reasons for this may be personal aspirations or avoiding the divorce or separation trap.
With many people opting to stay unattached, this study looked into how being single affects one’s happiness. It cited previous studies showing that single people tend to have “lower life satisfaction” and “poorer physical and psychological health.” This however has been slowly debunked, as more recent studies point to similar or even better life satisfaction among singles compared to those in a relationship.
It’s OK To Be Single
The Auckland study took a closer look at the social goals that people set when it comes to relationships. Results show that subjects who had high avoidance social goals tended to be single. Avoidance social goals is characterized by “sustaining social connections by avoiding conflict or disagreements,” and not the “avoidance of relationships.” This basically means these people seek out connections that are less likely to bring them conflict. Avoiding conflict means avoiding being hurt and therefore may mean a happier life.
Being single, according to the study, presents other benefits that “protect against potential hurt and rejection in relationships.” It also proved that being single does not necessarily translate to a lonelier, less satisfactory life.
So, if you’re single this Valentine’s day, don’t fret. It’s likely you have other things in your life to be happy about.