Single women tend to be happier than single men, according to a recent study from the University of Toronto. The findings suggest that men may benefit more than women from being in heteronormative romantic relationships.
“Our study is the first to explore how gender differences relate to well-being in singlehood,” the researchers explain. “It’s a step toward understanding why single women fare better than single men—and how everyone can build fulfilling lives, whether single or partnered.”
Exploring happiness
The study analyzed nearly 6,000 adults, examining four aspects of well-being: satisfaction with relationship status, overall life satisfaction, sexual fulfillment, and desire for a partner. Due to sample size limitations, the study focused on men and women who identified as such, leaving non-binary individuals for future research.
The results show that women are generally more satisfied with being single than men. Single women report greater happiness with their relationship status, higher life satisfaction, better sex lives, and less desire for a partner.
The findings align with earlier research showing that men tend to fear singlehood more than women and struggle with traditional ideas of masculinity. “For men, being seen as someone who ‘gets girls’ is often tied to status,” the researchers note. “But men typically face greater challenges early in dating, which can limit access to relationships and sex.”
This helps explain why single women report higher sexual fulfillment—they often enjoy more sexual freedom and can prioritize their own pleasure without accommodating a male partner.
Age matters
The study also looked at age and ethnicity. Older single men tend to be happier than younger ones, echoing research that suggests singlehood becomes more fulfilling after 40. Meanwhile, single Black women express a higher desire for a partner than single white women.
The findings shed light on broader issues, including the rise of “incels” (involuntary celibates), a subgroup of single men who blame women for their lack of romantic success. While the study doesn’t focus on this group, the researchers suggest that overall unhappiness among single men could contribute to some joining such movements.
The study also hints at why singlehood might appeal more to women. In heterosexual relationships, women often shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic and emotional labor, while their sexual satisfaction is often deprioritized. Outside these dynamics, women may find single life more rewarding.
Social networks and financial independence further enhance the appeal of singlehood for women. Compared to the past, women today are less reliant on partnerships for economic stability and have stronger social circles to support them.
The researchers conclude that understanding these dynamics can help men and women alike navigate singlehood and relationships more effectively. For many women, the freedom of single life seems to outweigh the compromises of partnership.
