Men worry more about being left on the shelf

Single men feel under more pressure to be in a relationship than women, according to a study.

Around 71% of bachelors felt “significant pressure” to find a partner, compared to 58% of those from the opposite sex, a poll has found.

Single men were also slightly more likely than women to suffer from loneliness if they are not in a relationship, the survey by dating website eharmony and relationship support charity Relate.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, eharmony psychologist, said women often capitalise on strong friendships more than men.

“Surprising though it may seem, it’s single men rather than women who feel under more pressure to find a partner,” she added.

“They also report higher levels of loneliness.

“This challenges the traditional idea of the happy-golucky bachelor who is more suited to single life than his female equivalent.”

Research suggests that men also tend to miss physical intimacy more than women, Dr Papadopoulos said.

The study found that the benefits of being single include personal independence, time for new hobbies, and freedom to enjoy sexual relationships.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of Relate, said: “It’s important that we regard being single as a lifestyle choice which may change at any time and avoid making judgments about people’s relationship status.”