Why Women Are Happier And More Sexually Satisfied Being Single Than Men: Study

A new study published on Oct. 24 in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that single women are enjoying life more than single men.

The research, conducted by University of Toronto psychologists Elaine Hoan and Geoff MacDonald, examined the dating attitudes and well-being of individuals who are not in romantic relationships. Analyzing data from 5,941 participants (2,890 men, 2,831 women, and 29 individuals identifying as nonbinary), with an average age of 31.74 years, the study assessed various factors like relationship status satisfaction, life satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and desire for a partner.

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The findings revealed that single women, on average, report higher levels of satisfaction with their relationship status, greater life satisfaction, and more sexual satisfaction compared to their male counterparts. Single women also expressed a lower desire for a romantic partner, including marriage. The most significant difference emerged when it came to relationship status satisfaction, with single women reporting notably higher levels of contentment in this area.

According to Hoan and MacDonald, the key to women’s higher satisfaction lies in their stronger social networks and relationships, which provide emotional support and fulfillment outside of romantic connections. The study highlights the importance of non-romantic social support, which is often central to the well-being of single individuals. Single women, in particular, tend to report higher levels of satisfaction with their social support than single men, which may help explain their greater contentment with singlehood. Additionally, women may feel less inclined to pursue romantic relationships, viewing them as less beneficial, particularly because they often take on greater emotional labor in relationships than men.

These findings suggest that, for many women, being single offers greater opportunities for personal satisfaction and fulfillment, supported by strong social ties and a lessened need for romantic involvement. Single men “have more to gain from partnering than do single women,” Hoan and MacDonald told the New York Post. 

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For Black women dating may be complicated

Hoan and MacDonald’s study also revealed that, despite their general satisfaction with solitude, some women still express a desire for a partner. Notably, the researchers found that single Black women reported a stronger desire for a romantic relationship than their white counterparts. This difference may be linked to the unique challenges Black women face in the dating world. For instance, the study noted Black women reported feelings of guilt and frustration due to the barriers they encountered when attempting to find romance, leading to a strong desire for fulfilling sexual and romantic lives. However, the study suggests that further research is needed to better understand these dynamics.

More women are choosing to decenter men.

The unique analysis comes at an interesting time, as an increasing number of women are choosing to “decenter” men from their lives. Decentering men refers to the intentional shift away from prioritizing men in relationships, decision-making, and social, cultural, or academic contexts. This shift challenges the long-standing dominance of male perspectives, voices, and influence, empowering women to navigate life without seeking male validation and allowing them to thrive under patriarchal systems.

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This growing trend has gained visibility, particularly on platforms like YouTube, where influencers such as TrindingTopic and Jasmin Siri actively promote decentering men. They highlight how this approach nurtures authentic, supportive relationships and encourages women to prioritize their personal and professional growth. This, in turn, can help women attract healthier relationships and achieve greater fulfillment.

One prominent example of this mindset is singer Kehlani, who, in a video posted on June 29, shared her journey of coming out as a lesbian after identifying as bisexual for most of her life. Reflecting on her transformation, Kehlani emphasized how focusing on herself and prioritizing women in her spiritual, educational, and community practices has allowed her to elevate her life.

Siri also discussed her experience in a video from October 2023, revealing that she spent a year being celibate to focus on self-improvement and to better prepare for a future relationship.

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