A growing number of American women are choosing to remain single rather than settle for unsatisfying relationships, according to an essay by the Wall Street Journal highlighting the shifting priorities among men and women.
The shift is marked by women becoming more financially independent and prioritizing their careers, education and friendships over traditional relationships.
Data from the Pew Research Center shows 34% of single women are actively seeking romance, compared to 54% of single men.
‘We have to think about fulfillment’: Consultant
So, why do men seem to desire romantic companionship more than women? Erika Ettin, a dating coach, weighed in.
“Men don’t necessarily have the social circle that women do. Men generally don’t have as many friends as women do, which is sad but true,” Ettin said.
Jessica Kriegel, author and chief strategy officer of Culture Partners, suggests people need to rethink fulfillment.
“How do I feel most fulfilled in my work? And do I want to be married? Do I want a relationship? Or do I not? These are the kind of questions we need to start asking because we’ve been so obsessively asking the other questions for so long, and it’s leading to problems in our culture,” Kriegel said.
Marriage was once viewed as a milestone in adult life. Today, however, many women are unwilling to compromise their ambitions or settle for less-than-ideal partnerships.
This contrasts sharply with past generations that often felt societal pressure to marry younger and prioritize family.
Education and money reshape marriage goals
As marriage rates decline across the board, women appear particularly skeptical, and the societal implications are significant.
Economists and sociologists have identified an expanding educational and economic divide between women and men as a primary cause.
The Pew Institute reports that 47% of women aged 25-34 have bachelor’s degrees, compared to only 37% of men, creating what’s been called a “dating mismatch.”
Women are increasingly looking for partners who match their educational and career ambitions but frequently struggle to find them, reshaping expectations around relationships and family life.
Ettin suggests that, for many women, their partner’s height may not matter — what matters more is whether they align in values and ambitions.
