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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

106 replies

UnmaskedAmberFinch · 03/11/2025 15:34

I’m not saying every woman is desperate for a relationship, plenty are happy being single.
But in general, I feel like most women do want meaningful companionship at some point in their lives, whether that’s romantic, deep friendships or close family bonds. Sometimes it feels like society pushes this “I’m totally fine alone” narrative and while independence is great, I wonder if deep down, many people (women especially) really do long for connection, partnership and emotional intimacy.

AIBU to think that the need for companionship is pretty universal and not something to be ashamed of?

OP posts:
Dacatspjs · 03/11/2025 16:14

UnmaskedAmberFinch · 03/11/2025 15:44

Yeah society still centres couples in a lot of ways (everything from housing to holidays seems designed for two!). I meant more the cultural messaging in recent years, especially online, that celebrates complete self-sufficiency or “you don’t need anyone” energy. It’s not bad in itself but sometimes it feels like people are almost afraid to admit they want closeness or dependence because it’s seen as weakness.

Edited
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I think the change in cultural messaging, as you put it, has come from women acknowledging that no relationship is better than a crap relationship.

I look at some of my mum's female friends - the one who had to give up her David Lloyd membership when her husband has a hip replacement, because if he couldnt play tennis then he wasn't paying her membership whilst he was at home; or the one who tells her friends she only buys new clothes with cash so he doesn't see them on their joint account; or the one who cut her allowance when the kids moved out because she didn't need so much anymore.

I can see why younger women who are financially independent, might say single can be better than bad companionship

ilovesooty · 03/11/2025 15:52

I have no desire for closeness or dependence, and do not want to be part of a couple again. Others may be different.

Original poster
UnmaskedAmberFinch · 03/11/2025 15:44

zzpled · 03/11/2025 15:38

"Sometimes it feels like society pushes this “I’m totally fine alone” narrative"

Really? Where is that being pushed? Because most of society is geared towards coupledom.

I've never society frowning upon people having "romantic, deep friendships or close family bonds".

Yeah society still centres couples in a lot of ways (everything from housing to holidays seems designed for two!). I meant more the cultural messaging in recent years, especially online, that celebrates complete self-sufficiency or “you don’t need anyone” energy. It’s not bad in itself but sometimes it feels like people are almost afraid to admit they want closeness or dependence because it’s seen as weakness.

OP posts:
zzpled · 03/11/2025 15:38

"Sometimes it feels like society pushes this “I’m totally fine alone” narrative"

Really? Where is that being pushed? Because most of society is geared towards coupledom.

I've never society frowning upon people having "romantic, deep friendships or close family bonds".

speakout · 03/11/2025 15:36

We are tribal animals.
Connection is essential for everyone, not just women.

DarkEyedSailor · 03/11/2025 15:36

It's why I have a dog.

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