There’s a certain beauty in enjoying your own company, having the freedom to do what you want when you want, and not being tied to anyone else’s timetable.

Being single isn’t synonymous with feeling lonely – in fact, many people genuinely revel in the independence and autonomy it brings. These individuals aren’t just settling for singleness; they’re embracing it wholeheartedly.

Psychology has a lot to say about these folks who find genuine joy in their solo lifestyle. Traits, backed by research, that set these self-contented singles apart.

Let’s dive into the seven traits of people who really love being single. It might just make you rethink the societal narrative surrounding singledom… or help you better understand your own love for flying solo.

1) Comfort in solitude

One of the key traits of people who genuinely enjoy being single is their ease and comfort in solitude. They don’t see being alone as a negative state to be avoided, but rather as an opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth.

This isn’t to say they’re hermits or anti-social; quite the opposite! They value their relationships and social interactions, but they also appreciate the importance of spending time alone.

Osho, the famous Indian philosopher, once said:

“The capacity to be alone is the capacity to love. It may look paradoxical to you, but it’s not. It is an existential truth: only those people who are capable of being alone are capable of love, of sharing, of going into the deepest core of another person–without possessing the other, without becoming dependent on the other, without reducing the other to a thing…”

This trait is a testament to their strength and self-sufficiency. They’re not running from solitude; they’re embracing it. And in doing so, they’re building a solid foundation of self-love and self-respect.

2) Independent to the core

Another standout trait of people who really love being single is their fierce independence.

They relish the freedom that comes with being able to make decisions without having to consider anyone else’s opinion or feelings. It’s not about being selfish, but about having the space to grow and evolve on their own terms.

For example, a few years ago, I decided to uproot my life and move to a new city. I didn’t have a partner’s career or preferences to consider, just my own aspirations and dreams.

It was a liberating experience that allowed me to explore new opportunities and experiences without any constraints.

People who genuinely enjoy being single understand this concept deeply. They cherish their independence because it allows them the freedom to explore their own potential and pave their own path in life.

3) Embrace of self-discovery

Ever had that moment of realization that you’ve changed, and not necessarily for the better, because of a relationship? People who love being single have been there too, but they’ve made a conscious choice to steer their own ship.

They understand that relationships, while wonderful in many ways, can sometimes lead us to compromise on our values or lose sight of who we are.

Being single, they’ve found, provides the space to reconnect with their authentic selves and continuously evolve.

Those content in their singleness pursue interests, ideas, and experiences that help them learn and grow.

This continuous process of self-discovery keeps them excited about life and comfortable in their solo journey.

4) Self-sufficient and resilient

People who genuinely enjoy being single are typically characterized by a high level of self-sufficiency and resilience.

They don’t rely on a partner to fulfill their needs or solve their problems; instead, they take ownership of their lives and find solutions independently.

A study published in the Journal of Personality in 2017 supports this idea. The research found that single individuals tend to display higher levels of self-determination and are more likely to experience personal growth than those in relationships.

These individuals have developed the ability to weather life’s storms on their own, which in turn cultivates resilience. They’ve learned that they can rely on themselves, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence.

Being single isn’t just a status for them; it’s an empowering lifestyle choice that fosters personal strength and resilience.

5) Value personal space

People who love being single often highly value their personal space. They see it as a sanctuary where they can unwind, reflect, and simply be themselves without any judgment or interruption.

I, for one, can resonate with this. After a long day, there’s nothing I appreciate more than retreating to my own space where I can enjoy some quiet reading or simply sit in silence to recharge.

Famous psychologist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”

While the context of her quote was around physical touch, I believe it also applies metaphorically to the emotional ‘hugs’ we give ourselves by valuing and making time for our personal space.

It’s in these moments of solitude that people who enjoy being single often find their peace and fuel their growth. They respect their need for space and understand its importance in maintaining their well-being.

6) Deep and meaningful connections

Ironically, people who genuinely enjoy being single often have an incredible ability to form deep and meaningful connections with others. You might think that being single means being isolated or detached from others, but it’s often quite the opposite.

These individuals understand the value of quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.

They are selective about who they let into their lives and, as a result, they form connections that are rich in mutual understanding, respect, and shared experiences.

People who relish their single status take this to heart. They invest their time and energy into building relationships that are transformative, not just transactional.

In essence, their single status allows them to build deeper connections because they’re not spread thin trying to meet the expectations of a romantic relationship. Instead, they can focus on cultivating relationships that truly enrich their lives.

7) Peace with uncertainty

Those who genuinely enjoy being single have come to terms with the uncertainties of life, including their relationship status. They don’t let societal pressures dictate their happiness or self-worth.

As renowned psychologist Erik Erikson once said, “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.”

Yet, this interdependence isn’t confined to romantic relationships.

People who love their single status understand this. They value their connections with family, friends, and community and find fulfillment in these bonds.

They’ve learned to find peace in the uncertain nature of life, including their relationship status, and focus on the things within their control.

Final musings

People who genuinely enjoy being single embody a sense of self-awareness, resilience, and independence that is truly commendable. Their love for solitude isn’t a sign of loneliness but rather a testament to their self-sufficiency and contentment.

They’ve chosen a path that might be different from societal norms, but it’s one that brings them joy and fulfillment in their own unique way.

While every individual’s experience with being single is personal and varied, these seven traits provide an insight into the mindset of those who find contentment in their solo journey.

Regardless of our relationship status, there’s a lot we can learn from these individuals. After all, embracing solitude, fostering deep connections, and finding peace in uncertainty are lessons that hold value for us all.

The next time you find yourself contemplating your own relationship status or choices, remember these traits. They might just provide a fresh perspective on the beauty of embracing singleness.