Most single women are happy to be on their own

NEARLY two-thirds of single women are happy without a partner, according to research.

This compares with just under half of single men, it found.

The study by retail analysts Mintel revealed a total of 70 per cent of singles of both sexes say they have not actively tried to find a partner in the past 12 months.

This rises to 75 per cent of single women, who say they are prioritising other parts of their lives.

The research found 58 per cent of adults describe themselves as being in a relationship, with the remainder single.

Mintel analyst Jack Duckett said: ‘It is easy to assume that all singletons are actively looking for a partner; however, our data shows that this is far from always being the case.

‘Much of this reluctance to look for a partner can be attributed to the young increasingly prioritising their education, careers and financial stability over being in relationships.’

This is despite the fact that the study found there were drawbacks in being single. Only 36 per cent of singles say they feel financially secure, compared with 52 per cent of those in a relationship.

Some 38 per cent worry about being alone, rising to 54 per cent among young adults aged 18 to 24. Mintel found one in three feel under pressure to make their life appear more fulfilled than it is.

It revealed 54 per cent of singles say they are not where they are expected to be in life at their age, and 25 per cent think their peers are more grown up than they are.

Mr Duckett said: ‘There remains a societal focus on being partnered up and a sense of obligation to be in a relationship.’