From Valentine’s Day to wedding season, society is obsessed with coupledom. Pop culture and social media would have us believe that being in a relationship is the ultimate key to happiness.
But what if we’ve had it wrong all along? Research suggests that single people who prioritize positive relationships with themselves and others are actually the happiest bunch.
Meet four women who have embraced the single life, and they’re not just content – they’re thriving.
Meghan Jones: Finding Purpose in Being Single
After a decade-long marriage, Meghan Jones, 41, decided to take a break from dating and focus on herself. “I realized that being single was the life for me,” she says. Now, she’s pouring her energy into creative writing, learning to play pickleball, and traveling to visit her family. “I don’t have to clear my schedule with anybody or make separate arrangements,” she notes, relishing her independence.
Jones believes that being single is often misunderstood as selfish, when in reality, it’s selfless. “I wouldn’t want to be in a relationship where I couldn’t give myself to someone fully,” she shares. “Being single gives me a sense of purpose and direction in my life. I’m able to cultivate more meaningful relationships, prioritize self-care, and discover new things about myself.”
Tricia Kent: Embracing Freedom and Autonomy
Tricia Kent, 50, has been single for years and wouldn’t have it any other way. As a mom of two, she’s prioritized her responsibilities as a parent above all else. “I don’t want to be in a relationship where somebody is jealous or somebody is going to critique how I raise my kids,” she says.
Kent loves the freedom that comes with being single. “I don’t have to report to anybody. I don’t have to share anything about my life. I don’t have to ask somebody if it’s OK if I buy something,” she says. While there are practical benefits to having a partner, Kent is content to handle things on her own.
Penny C. Sansevieri: Finding Peace and Joy in Solitude
Penny C. Sansevieri, 59, has experienced her fair share of drama in past relationships. After leaving a toxic situation, a friend suggested she focus on herself instead of men. And that’s exactly what she did. “I started off by just working on myself, and then, working on myself became a bit addicting,” she says.
These days, Sansevieri is never lonely and loves the peace and joy that comes with being single. “I love investing the time in things I really enjoy doing and the peace and joy that comes from being single,” she says. “I love the lack of drama. Peace is a seriously underrated gift.”
Grayce McCormick: The Freedom to Be Herself
Grayce McCormick, 56, escaped an emotionally abusive marriage and a toxic relationship that left her feeling drained. “The abuse was so insidious that I don’t have the capacity to date,” she says. But instead of wallowing in heartache, McCormick has discovered a newfound love for herself.
“What I love about being single is it is pure freedom,” she says. “I don’t want to be on someone else’s schedule. It’s self-sustaining. Even in my career, I can focus so much better without the distraction of a relationship.” McCormick is content to rely on her close circle of friends for support and is excited to pursue her passions, from pottery classes to traveling solo.
These women are proof that being single isn’t a deficiency – it’s a choice, and it’s a liberating one at that. They’re not sad, lonely, or incomplete; they’re happy, fulfilled, and loving every minute of their solo journey. And that’s the greatest love story of all.