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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think being single is not all it's cracked up to be

208 replies

BrokenWingsCantFly · 06/02/2026 23:43

I see a post every day that makes me think "thank god I am single and don't have to deal with that". But really, people only post when they are feeling down dont they? I assume the majority of relationships / marriages are ticking along nicely, but no one is going to post about how happy and content they are, so we only read about 1 side.

I'm here now on a Friday night doing DIY alone, in the hope of selling my house in a few months. This has stirred a few thoughts. Firstly, if I was in a relationship, then like in previous relationships, I would have someone to do fun things with tonight instead of this. Then, if i had found my person years ago, we would be doing the DIY together as a joint gain. Or they would be doing it like many relationships. Then, when it comes to buying i have a decent budget but just think about how many more options I would have if I had a partner on a similar salary with a similar deposit.

It feels sometimes like trying to live life with 1 hand tied behind your back. No matter how strongly independent you feel, life would be easier with a partner. There is no safety net, which terrifies me often, if I loose my job, even for a month or 2 I would really struggle as no one else is going to pick up the bills for a while.

I'm 38 so no spring chicken. Growing up i assumed everyone just met their person and got married and life just worked out. Luckily I know a couple of other successful beautiful women my age who have also been unlucky in love, so feel less odd or alone in this

It just feels like no matter what I achieve in life. I could achieve more with a supportive partner by my side

OP posts:
Warmlover · 07/02/2026 00:10

You need to love yourself before you ever even consider being with someone else. I think financially most people are better off in a couple, but emotionally they’re not. Most of my friends are jealous of my life!

JHound · 07/02/2026 00:09

Meh. Being single / being in a relationship - it’s all much of a muchness to me.

WestwardHo1 · 07/02/2026 00:08

I am struggling with it at the moment I have to say. I'm fifty - my relationship ended last summer and I recently found out the extent of his infidelities, lies and betrayals. Before that relationship I was married to someone I was with 18 years. All I want is someone to share the load with and curl up on the sofa with. My friends are all coupled up. It's hard. And yes....the sex. I miss it so much.

BrokenWingsCantFly · 07/02/2026 00:02

Catza · 06/02/2026 23:51

I have a different experience. A life with my partner was objectively more difficult in every sense, except for financial, perhaps.
Yes, I can only afford a modest house but I don't need anything grander just for myself. A small house is easier to clean, as my mum keeps reminding me.
I don't have to cook for anyone or do anyone's laundry. Or manage anyone's moods. I have amazing friends I can socialise with on Friday nights and I also have a few sociable hobbies so I am very rarely home in the evenings and at weekends.
I can make decisions about DIY and what I can't do myself, I can hire a man (or a woman) for. I don't have to spend weeks and months convincing someone that I absolutely must have an orange bedroom and no, this awful painting doesn't work in the middle of the living room.
I can't think of a single thing that a partner would make easier for me right now. I'd quite like to have a hug. That's about it.
There is plenty of casual sex around too and I can have a new man every week if it takes my fancy.

I wish I could be happy with my house. All I want from a budget of £130k above my house value is my house with a bugger garden and a drive. I find no greater joy than chilling in my garden after work and making it look pretty. But I have a tiny north facing garden so can only enjoy it a couple of months a year, then it gets destroyed.

O the sex. I almost forgot how I miss that. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it casually so I just go without. Sometimes think it would be so easy to just go for it, but I know I wouldn't feel good after

OP posts:
Buscake · 06/02/2026 23:53

I’m 40 and single op. I think we have the best option available to us. I am happy in a way I have never been before in the past 14months since I left my husband. It’s time I can just focus on me and this is such a wild freedom. I have hobbies, friends, a job I love and I’ve started dating again.

I don’t agree about Fri evenings in together being some kind of gold standard. It can lead to boredom, resentment, bickering over who is going to do the diy and who feels obliged to do it blah blah blah. I’m not saying companionship doesn’t have its merits of course it does. But the grass isn’t always greener.

Oakbud · 06/02/2026 23:52

Honestly, it just depends. You could have a great partner helping with DIY or you could have a partner gambling away your money and leaving you worse off.

But I would try and build up some savings. Everyone should have a bit, even if a couple where both work.

Catza · 06/02/2026 23:51

I have a different experience. A life with my partner was objectively more difficult in every sense, except for financial, perhaps.
Yes, I can only afford a modest house but I don't need anything grander just for myself. A small house is easier to clean, as my mum keeps reminding me.
I don't have to cook for anyone or do anyone's laundry. Or manage anyone's moods. I have amazing friends I can socialise with on Friday nights and I also have a few sociable hobbies so I am very rarely home in the evenings and at weekends.
I can make decisions about DIY and what I can't do myself, I can hire a man (or a woman) for. I don't have to spend weeks and months convincing someone that I absolutely must have an orange bedroom and no, this awful painting doesn't work in the middle of the living room.
I can't think of a single thing that a partner would make easier for me right now. I'd quite like to have a hug. That's about it.
There is plenty of casual sex around too and I can have a new man every week if it takes my fancy.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 06/02/2026 23:50

Me, sat on the sofa, halfway through a bottle of wine after a TRULY SHIT WEEK:

´maybe you’re not so unreasonable here’

No Thank You Lol GIF by HBO Max
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