It’s the beginning of a new year, and with it comes no shortage of statistics about the year we’ve left behind. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, it’s likely you’ve been bombarded with more than just a few of them.

One finding that recently caught my attention stated that a record-high share of 40-year-olds in the U.S. have never been married, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. As of 2021, in fact, a quarter of 40-year-olds had never been married. That number is up from 6% in 1980–just 43 years ago. What’s most relevant, however, is that a Center survey also found that relatively few Americans see marriage as essential for living a fulfilling life compared with other factors such as job satisfaction and friendship.

With that in mind, let’s explore what being single means for your mental health. The short answer is that it depends on your perspective. Individuals who don’t like being single may feel isolated and lonely, and that could lead to depression and anxiety. On the other hand, being single can also impact your mental health in a positive way, maybe because it gives you more time for personal growth and the freedom to live life on your terms.

If you’re single–either by choice or not–here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Discover the benefits of being single. You will likely have more time for other things in life, such as pursuing an education, growing a career, traveling, hobbies, friendships, and more.

• Make your own rules. Despite what some people may tell you, there is no set timeline for when things should happen in life. If you decide to stay single, that’s okay. It’s your life, and that means you get to decide when and how to do things.

• Focus on something else. If you’re frustrated about being single, try devoting your time and energy to life’s other endeavors, such as career, friendships, and family. You might want to return to school, switch jobs, improve your health, or simply pursue and grow friendships that don’t come with romantic ties.

• Avoid comparing yourself with others. This is good advice whether you’re married or single. Social media makes it easy to see others as living a more fulfilling and enriching life than yours. But remember that what you see is not always the complete story. In reality, it could be much different. At the same time, the life someone else is living may be good for them, but it could be entirely wrong for you.

• Avoid the stigma. Many people in society place a lot of pressure on young people in particular to find a romantic partner and get married. It’s pervasive in advertisements and in popular books and films. If you’re single, this could make you feel inadequate or like you’re not measuring up to society’s expectations. Keep in mind, however, that advertising is designed to make you feel like you need something you don’t have in order to be happy.

If you’re single, remember that perspective has a lot to do with how you feel about your relationship status. Let 2024 be the year you make the most of being single, whether it’s something you planned or it occurred quite unexpectedly.

Image by Messan Edoh from Pixabay

Dr. David Lowenstein is a Columbus, Ohio-based psychologist with more than 35 years of experience. He conducts individual, family, and group therapy sessions in his German Village office and also via telehealth. Dr. Lowenstein is also available for expert forensic testimony, and for educational workshops and presentations. He is frequently called upon as an expert source for print, radio, and broadcast media. Contact Dr. Lowenstein at Lowenstein & Associates, 691 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43206, or call 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.