Being Single!

A multiple source study on living single has been released in Jan. 2018. [Collected by CNN Census Bureau] Perhaps an unprecedented collection of sources, some over at least 60 years, including the Census Bureau, many disciplines.

The CNN story prefaces with a 1848 report which depicted living single was a disadvantage.

This study illustrates that for health, longevity, self esteem, self initiative, current trends, life time singles, that singles are feeling better and scored better in such studies.

It may illustrate also that many people have lived under assumptions of what being single will be like (presumably in contrast with monogamy style living, having only one partner). Those assumptions became widely accepted and made a prejudice against singles. including many in the past who had reported on this topic probably were not single and so already had a bias when they wrote their articles which put an unfavorable light on living single. Giving the impression that a single is wayward, or suspicious or a vagabond. Some societies celebrate singles, but most don't.

This, in turn, compelled many, ready or not, to seek out and live as a couple or married. Being single allows one to retain self initiative, which may be compromised in a tighter relationship, e.g. enmeshing, as if society operates as a factory. Singles have the opportunity and time to explore and think about options.

The weight of a monogamous society, which out numbers singles, assumes that the same responsibilities couples have should be foisted upon those who live single. This, of course, of dumping the disproportionate expectations and activities upon singular members of society made the load more arduous and trying for individuals despite their efforts and curtailed their time to accomplish tasks and hence reinforced the concepts that singles just could not handle the load. This shows the tendency to have a one-side approach and callous disregard for the living conditions of single people*. Arrangements are made according to couples, e.g. you can only rent a space or room if you bring another person with, or you are allowed to collect a prize only if you have another person even though the other did not participate. Even hospitals, many health clinics and networks, housing, rest homes and those like institutions want paired people to be admitted and will turn back singles as even part of policies, even with opening accounts. Studies in population demographics and subsequent treatments often don't include a single as a "family" category, especially life and other insurances. Does that mean they are not counted at all? It was as if society had adopted an unspoken option to minimalize the presence of singles. This amounts to blatant discrimination against part of the citizenry. (Yet the armed forces willingly take singles, not so much anymore in politics.) The recent study shows the numbers are changing.

Another factor in the studies-sex. They find now with singles that there is less urgency to have sexual relations as have been in the past. It is not considered as high a priority with many singles. It is not taken as obligatory. In fact, the study shows that amongst the younger age samples, that they don't wish to hurry into sexual relations ( and any traps) and there is less occurrences of sex. Which means less progeny (off spring). Fewer mouths to compete for food, less need to have population related studies.

Some evidence also shows that while being single, some more willingly will help or share things with other citizens, in contrast with committed or married couples who tend to treat their families as priority over others and so make their homes and living accordingly as fortified fortresses in regard to sharing, "My home is my castle". Singles can more readily relocate. While single, they are likely to accrue more experiences that those that live a more anchored and sedate life.

Interaction dynamics may at times be varied. This need not make singles seem an outlier minority in societal settings. Being less encumbered, singles may pose and direct their efforts more to direct solutions of challenges. They are in position to assess and make decisions on their own. They may also be inclined to spontaneously smile more readily. After all, there is only one of each of us.

*In addition to whatever activities or work load they endure, when done, most have to time manage: manage travel, house cleaning, preparations for meals, cooking, clean up, shower, balancing finances, attending outside events (if any), hobbies or pass time, any appointments, shopping, communications, at least and by themselves, and sleep. For those who have partners, when they are done working, most can relax some because a partner will take care of most the above necessities, which reduces and even saves on daily stress. Except maybe they will have to coordinate all that with the other person.

One may also read: The Fewer Friends You Have, The Smarter You Are. In Tango, etc.