"Most of us will spend more of our adult lives being single than married," says Jillian Straus, author of the "The Unhooked Generation: The Truth About Why We're Still Single." For marriage seekers, this information represents possible years of bleak, solitary existence. Yet for some women, singlehood isn't grim or lonely--it's a preferred way of life. Opting for liberty and shaking off archaic stereotypes, these females are postponing marriage or electing to stay on a solo life path and finding ample reason to embrace satisfying singular lifestyles.
Significant Freedom
Like a lifetime devoid of a curfew, the liberty of singlehood is expansive. With nearly a third of all households in 2010 consisting of female homeowners, many women exercise that freedom by anchoring roots and establishing comfortable--and often luxurious--personal spaces, according to HGTV Pro.com. Independent of the trappings of a partner's career and desires, she can also uproot at will, as well as conduct each nuance of daily life at her discretion. Freedom can equate significant happiness to women lacking spouses.
Financial Benefits
Overall, women earn statistically less than men. But female salaries are catching up and even surpassing their male counterpart's earnings in more than 80 occupational fields, says Warren Farrell, author of "Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap--and What Women Can Do About It." All this amounts to increased financial opportunity for single women, who realize living comfortably doesn't necessarily require two incomes. And greater personal satisfaction of earnings is possible for solo gals, without spending habits scrutinized by spouses.
Career Potential
It's possible to juggle a marriage and professional goals in tandem, but career focus is far easier without a husband in tow. The preference to stay single is often smart career strategy, as well as financially beneficial for females. In a November 2004 "RAND Labor and Population" working paper, researchers David Loughran and Julie Zissimopoulos estimated women's hourly wages increased by 4 percent for each year they delayed marriage. But once females married, say Loughran and Zissimopoulos, "the careers of women took a backseat to careers of their husbands."
Self-Reliance
Self-confidence, resourcefulness and hidden talents emerge while singlehandedly managing all aspects of life. Especially for women who have been previously married and used to emotional or physical spousal support, learning to effectively deal with problems alone can be empowering. Women who feel complete without a partner and confident are more likely to value singlehood. "For people to be single and healthy in our society, they have to have the greatest self-esteem of anyone," says Harold Bloomfield, psychiatrist and co-author of "Lifemates: The Love Fitness Program for a Lasting Relationship."
Supportive Social Network
With ample places to find kindred singles and plenty of volume, loneliness isn't often a factor for females. Unlike men, who generally don't forge deep friendship bonds with each other quickly, females fare well cultivating close relationships. When emotional needs are met via social sisterhoods and male friendships, single women have a broad support system. Alone--but far from lonely--singlehood for these females can be an exciting voyage and a fulfilling life destination.
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