Being happy on your own seems like a foreign concept to a lot of people.
They can’t fathom how you could actually feel fulfilled, content, and really good about your choice not to be in a relationship and live life solo. As a result, they tend to believe that you can’t possibly feel that way, and they say things that are not only inappropriate, they’re flat-out wrong. People who are single because they want to be really wish the rest of the world would stop saying these things.
1. They hear that the right person will come along eventually.
This classic line comes with a knowing smile and sage nod, completely missing the point that they’re not waiting for anyone. Finding joy in solitude isn’t a holding pattern for some future relationship. The best response? A cheerful “I’m the right person who came along!” while enjoying another peaceful evening of uninterrupted Netflix choices.
2. They get told they’re too picky about partners.
As if having standards or choosing solitude is somehow a character flaw. The truth is, they’ve simply discovered that their own company sets a pretty high bar. Why settle for drama when you can have a drama-free life where no one judges your midnight snack choices or questionable dancing skills?
3. They’re asked who will take care of them when they’re older.
Because apparently, the only reason to have relationships is to secure a future nurse. Meanwhile, they’re busy building strong friendships, saving money, and planning for a retirement filled with adventure rather than obligation. Plus, they’ve seen enough family gatherings to know that having people around doesn’t guarantee good care.
4. They get reminded that humans are social creatures.
This biological factoid ignores that choosing solitude doesn’t mean becoming a hermit. Most solo livers have rich social lives, deep friendships, and active community involvement — they just happen to enjoy coming home to their own space where the remote control is always exactly where they left it.
5. They’re told they’ll die alone.
This dramatic prediction usually comes served with a side of horror, as if being alone is the worst possible fate. The reality? Everyone technically dies alone, and having a partner doesn’t guarantee company in your final moments. They’d rather focus on living well than worrying about hypothetical deathbed scenarios.
6. They hear that their standards will lower with age.
This backhanded comment suggests desperation will eventually trump contentment. What actually happens is their appreciation for peace, freedom, and personal growth deepens with time. Their standards aren’t high — they’re well-calibrated to their happiness.
7. They’re told they just haven’t experienced true love yet.
This assumes they’ve never had meaningful relationships or turned down opportunities for them. Many solo dwellers have loved deeply and simply discovered they prefer their independence. They’ve experienced both worlds and made an informed choice about which suits them better.
8. They get lectured about their biological clock.
Beyond being scientifically questionable, this statement ignores the many ways people can have children in modern times — if they want them at all. Solo life doesn’t preclude parenthood, and not everyone views reproduction as life’s ultimate goal. Some people’s biological clocks are perfectly happy ticking away on holiday time.
9. They’re told they’ll regret their choices.
The assumption that solitude leads to regret ignores all the potential regrets that come with unwanted compromises. They’d rather potentially regret their own choices than definitely regret choices other people pushed them into. Besides, they’re too busy enjoying their freedom to entertain hypothetical future regrets.
10. They hear that they’re missing out on life’s greatest joy.
Life offers countless sources of joy, and defining the “greatest” one is purely subjective. They find tremendous happiness in personal pursuits, friendships, career achievements, and the simple pleasure of eating whatever they want for dinner. Missing out on one experience often means gaining another.
11. They get told it’s just a phase.
This dismissive comment reduces a conscious lifestyle choice to a temporary whim. Whether their solo journey lasts a year or a lifetime, it’s valid either way. Life phases aren’t failed attempts at permanence — they’re chapters in a personally authored story. Some chapters just happen to be better without a co-author.
12. They’re asked if something traumatic happened to them.
The assumption that choosing solitude must stem from past hurts ignores that it’s often a positive, empowered choice. Sometimes the only “trauma” was realising how much energy they wasted worrying about meeting other people’s expectations. Now they channel that energy into building their best life.
13. They’re told they must be selfish and self-centred.
The irony of this comment is that many solo livers actually have more time and emotional energy to give to their communities, friends, and causes they care about. Without the demands of a traditional relationship, they often become the reliable friend who can show up in emergencies or volunteer regularly. Having strong boundaries and knowing your preferences isn’t selfish — it’s healthy self-awareness.
14. They hear that holiday seasons must be unbearable.
People assume December is a month-long pity party for the contentedly single. In reality, they enjoy stress-free holidays without in-law drama, conflicting family schedules, or gift-giving politics. Their celebrations often involve chosen family, peaceful traditions of their own making, and the freedom to skip any event that doesn’t bring them joy.
15. They get told they work too much as a distraction.
When solo livers succeed professionally, people often attribute it to filling an emotional void rather than genuine ambition or passion for their work. The truth is, having full control over their time and energy often leads to better work-life balance. They can pursue career goals or passion projects without having to compromise or negotiate with a partner’s schedule and priorities.
