Single men under pressure

SINGLE men feel under more pressure to be in a relationship than women, according to a survey.

Researchers found that 71% of bachelors felt “significant pressure” to find a partner, compared to just 58% from the opposite sex.

Single men were also more likely than women to suffer from loneliness.

The study by relationship charity Relate found benefits of being single include personal independence, time for hobbies and freedom to enjoy new sexual relationships. It also found 41% of people would rather be by themselves than with the wrong person.

According to the survey of 4 054 people, backed by dating website eHarmony, 47% of men said feeling lonely was a negative aspect of being single, compared to 43% of women.

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

Some 77% of single people said they had experienced loneliness.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos said: “Surprisingly, it’s single men rather than women who feel under more pressure to find a partner.

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