More Americans than ever love being single. They feel penalized for it by our financial system

"Single this Valentine's Day? You're not alone. New research from The Harris Poll shows that nearly half of Americans (46%) are not in relationships-many of them on purpose. The report, shared exclusively with Fast Company, calls it a "cultural revolution," where people are using singlehood as a way to prioritize their agency rather than focusing on traditional relationship expectations. Not everyone is staying single, but 80% of Americans say you don't need marriage to be happy."

"In fact, singles are more likely than those in relationships to say they live a fulfilling life. More time for friendships-or careers The idea of what makes a fulfilling relationship and life is shifting. Two-thirds of Gen Z are staying single, and percentages across generations are up since 2023. More than three-quarters of Americans want friendships to become a respected form of serious adult relationships. Singles enjoy having the ability to prioritize experiences and personal growth instead of pursuing traditional milestones within a romantic partnership."

"Driven increasingly by young women, the perception of single status is shifting from a "waiting room" to a complete lifestyle. More than 25% of women prefer being alone, compared to 16% of men. Some research has found that men, in general, experience more benefits than women from being in a relationship, which might explain this discrepancy. While single, men and women have different goals. Single women are more likely to prioritize travel or friendships, while single men are more likely to focus on career advancement."

Nearly half of Americans (46%) are not in relationships, and many choose singlehood to prioritize personal agency rather than traditional relationship expectations. Eighty percent of Americans say marriage is not required for happiness, and singles report higher likelihood of living a fulfilling life than partnered people. Younger generations, especially two-thirds of Gen Z, increasingly remain single, and interest in friendship as a serious adult relationship is rising. Single people prioritize experiences, personal growth, friendships, and careers over traditional milestones. Women are driving the shift, with over 25% preferring solitude and focusing on travel or friendships, while men more often prioritize career advancement.

Read at Fast Company