To think that most women crave companionship, even if they don’t always admit it?

You were like this on your other thread, absolutely desperate for an argument. No one here has said you shouldn’t. Literally, do what you want to do.

And that’s your choice but other people can feel different. I split with my ex at 28 so to say I should never have a relationship again until I’m nearly 50! 🤣

Something that has really struck me through this thread is that there is a massive difference between the women who have been married / in serious relationships (whether or not these resulted in children) who are now for whatever reason living alone and those who haven’t really experienced this.

I was single from leaving university at 22 to when I met DH, aged 38. It was a hell of a long time and my thirties in particular were very lonely as my friends were occupied with small children.

However if I’d met DH at 28 and was now divorced or (god forbid) widowed I don’t think I’d be pursuing another relationship. It is frustrating though when people act as if it’s a weakness or character flaw to want to meet someone.

It’s the dependence that sends shivers down my spine, so many woman trapped with no resources of their own, have always been overly independent, children, mortgage, full time job with no support from a partner, could have married many times but I could never take the final leap, there have been lonely times and doing it all alone is definitely a challenge but am so grateful that I get to live the life I choose and not rely on a partner for anything, heartbreaking to read of so many women on here who need to escape truly terrible situations but can’t make that choice because they’re beholden to a partner for money, etc, I’d take 1,000 lonely nights over that every time

Where are all the many posters who are saying ‘most women feel X’ getting their information from? Can you link some studies please?

yes I think it’s mainly on mumsnet where people try to tell you to be alone forever, I’m a single mum have been for 10 years made a thread about considering dating again and I had so many comments judging me telling me not to and to wait till my kids are 18 🤣 maybe this just applies to single parents though? Mumsnet seems to despise the thought of single parents daring to date again

Of course. Nowhere have I suggested it should be otherwise.
I am just describing why it is blatantly obvious that the majority of women don't enjoy being alone.

Again, we are being told how we can live our lives or what is deemed acceptable. How I chose to life my life is up to me, not what society thinks.

It’s widely talked about that dating and relationships today are very challenging for a myriad of reasons, and so even if we want that relationship/ companionship, there’s no guarantee it can be found.

I would say most do. Humans are wired for connection and meant to be sociable and look to others for safety, support, love etc. There will be some people exceptions to the rule, or people who have made a conscious choice after bad experiences. So no I don’t think you’re unreasonable.

I didn't acquire any pets until I had been single for over 3 years. And technically I am a widow, but only because my husband died during the divorce process.

And cats or dogs really aren't 'making do'. They're a complement to the life women live outside the home with their work, their friends, their hobbies, any volunteering that they do. Like anything else, life is what you make it - and for many of us, what we make it without a man is rich and fulfilling.

Humans are social creatures.

I’ll fix that for you. Some humans are social creatures, some are not.

Most of them! I know several women in their 50s who live alone, and only one has a pet. They all work full time and go away a lot so an animal would be restricting. This image of middle aged women home alone with their cat on their lap is very far removed from those I know.

I am happily single. Have been for years with no plan to change that.

Companionship is not the same as romantic relationship. Humans are social creatures.

‘Make do’ you are deluded.

Not sure where society is pushing ‘I’m totally fine alone’ vibe? I see a lot of social media about women staying single and ‘protecting their peace’. Every woman I know has deep connections with friends and/or family.

Being independent doesn’t mean having no connection to other humans. Weird take.

Do you see the irony at all with what you’ve posted?

you and the op wonder why people keep pushing their narrative that they’re happy single.

and yet you cannot comprehend whatsoever if they do and think ‘most’ people want relationships.

leaving single people through choice absolutely no choice other than to keep saying it.

why would you think you speak for ‘most women.’ ?

I think it’s BECAUSE of your ‘most women actually want/need someone else’ that many people have been - timidly at first - saying ‘actually I don’t.’

and people don’t believe them for some inexplicable reason, because they themselves do.

being happy single is a realisation wgivh would serve many many women very well indeed.

you speak for you. And that’s where it ends.

Of course they do. The overwhelming majority of women want to to find someone to spend their days with. If it is not a partner, then they have to make do with a dog or a cat. How many single middle aged women do you know that live on their own and have no pets ? Widows don't count.

YAB a bit U @UnmaskedAmberFinch.

Most people crave companionship, even if they don't always admit it.

I don't.

I am neurodivergent and find socialising and people in general exhausting.

I prefer my own company and the company of animals to having to make conversation with people.

As for romantic relationships, I don't need them either as there are very few men who have brought anything positive into my life.

I disagree. Obviously, we shouldn't stereotype, but I would say that this statement is more likely to apply to men.
I know plenty of women who live happily solo, or as single people. Even those of us who are married often crave or need time alone. I love time alone and can't imagine ever wanting "companionship" again, if my husband wasn't around for any reason.

I don't have children, and don't see any of my family members, both of which are a huge relief, to be honest.

I think good connection is very positive for well-being but poor destructive connection is as destructive as poison to mental health. People protect themselves especially if they have had poor connections in the past.

I do know what the OP means.

There’s this ‘why on earth would you want to be married?’ (or in a relationship) mantra which definitely permeates MN.

All of this. Many women have either experienced shit relationships or have witnessed them and are saying 'No thanks'.

Companionship? I have friends, I have work, I have hobbies, I have cats. Nothing more is needed.