To think there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a woman choosing to stay single, rather than settling for one of the options available to her?

[HonestGreyWasp]

It’s not about being picky or expecting perfection - sometimes it’s just about knowing what you don’t want, and being at peace with that.

Anyone else feel like society still low-key shames women for choosing single life over subpar relationships?

Yep. I think some people are more suited to not being in a relationship.

I'd love to know the opinion of the one person so far who's voted that OP is being unreasonable. You think a woman should accept anything, so long as it's man-shaped?

I've been single for 8 years. I wouldn't mind a boyfriend, not really bothered about living with anyone again, and would never settle. I'm happy in myself, anyone else would be to compliment my life not complete it.

Agree. It always irks me that on many threads in Relationships the OP is told to leave a bad relationship, or they'll "never have the chance of finding someone better". Why do they have to find anyone at all? Being single isn't synonymous with "sad and unfulfilled".

Yep. Been single for a decade, just recently found someone who I feel enhances my life and who I am so into as a person and so am now in a relationship again, but while I like having him around I will happily survive without him if things do not work out. I have zero intention of getting married, having kids, buying a house together etc. It's the way I want it! I would rather be happy by myself than unhappy in a relationship - can never understand why some women settle for such dire relationships rather than be single and happier for it. I won't allow someone to compromise my happiness like that.

Honestly? Society does shame women for being single because It’s how patriarchy operates. Convince women that any man is better than no man and that singledom means they are fundamentally broken, then shunt them into endless domestic labour with said man. Man’s life in many ways stays exactly the same. Woman is drained of all energy and agency. Threat of independent woman is now neutralised.

So no, you’re not being unreasonable.

You say society but I think we need to be more specific. I've never had a man question my choice to stay single but plenty of women take an interest in my private life and quietly express disapproval. I think some are projecting and some are worried you are going up try to steal their partner. I just ignore them.

A woman who lacks the imagination to understand that some women are quite content on their own is probably not someone whose company I would enjoy. Fortunately I know quite a few women who have chosen a single life and are quite happy with their lot.

i left my marriage and found someone better.. myself.

I've been single 8 years and i couldn't be happier. Sure i have moments when i miss having a partner, but i've filled that hole with friends who i have very good relationships with, and a couple of FWB that are there if either of us are inclined towards some fun.

On the whole, i prefer being by myself, pleasing myself, seeing who i like, when i like, without having to answer to anyone or justify my reasons for doing so.

Of course there is nothing the slightest bit wrong with anyone of either sex being single if they want to be. Nobody else is entitled to your time, attention, energy or body if you don't care to share them. Yes, some people of both sexes seem to be threatened by the idea of an independent woman, but sod them. Why worry about the opinions of the sexist and the dim?

Some ppl are not suited to monogamy and there's nothing wrong with that. Also nothing wrong with staying single, if that's what a person wants.

I guess this only applies to childless women. I’m a single parent and I’ve found people think the exact opposite and I should be alone forever.