Dating fatigue is real, and so is the growing trend of choosing independence. American ladies are no longer waiting for the “right one” to feel complete. There’s a noticeable cultural shift happening, and it’s not just about romance. Here’s a closer look at what more women are choosing instead of marriage and the unexpected ways it’s changing everything.
Financial Control
Thanks to growing financial independence, single women are now buying homes at twice the rate of single men, according to the National Association of Realtors (2023). With control of an estimated $10 trillion in U.S. financial assets (McKinsey & Company), they’re no longer waiting for marriage to build wealth or stability.
Personal Happiness
Happiness is the plan. A significant majority of unmarried women now say they prioritize personal happiness over societal expectations of marriage. This mindset shift is visible in real life as more women are choosing fulfillment on their own terms. The message is clear: feeling whole doesn’t require a ring.
Getting Higher Education
Advanced education is becoming a bigger priority than marriage. In 2024, 47% of U.S. women aged 25 to 34 earned a bachelor’s degree, according to Pew Research Center. This trend reflects a wider shift as more educated women pursue goals beyond traditional relationships and family roles.
Solo Motherhood
For many, motherhood no longer depends on partnership. Modern motherhood is being redefined by choice. Fertility clinics across the country have reported a surge in single female clients pursuing parenthood independently. On social media, hashtags like #SingleMomByChoice reflect how this shift is proudly embraced.
Building Their Future
Single women are leaning into career freedom by launching their own businesses. With full control over their time and choices, many are opting for entrepreneurship. This independence has fueled a 58% rise in women-owned businesses over the past decade, according to American Express.
Traveling Alone
Without the pressures of traditional partnership or family timelines, singles are choosing to invest in personal experiences instead of shared ones. That shift has made them the fastest-growing segment in U.S. tourism. Since 2019, tour operators catering specifically to solo female travelers have tripled their revenue.
Investing In Self-Care
Single ladies spend twice as much on wellness as their married peers, and it shows. From yoga cruises to meditation retreats, they’re carving out time for themselves. Mental health satisfaction also trends higher among singles. They care and prioritize themselves without compromise or permission.
Building Strong Communities
Look past the stereotypes, because single women aren’t isolated. They’re networking and connecting more than ever. Singles-only coworking spaces are taking off. Platforms like The Wing and Hey! Vina are growing fast. Online groups also offer spaces to share wins or simply feel seen.
Making Unconventional Homes
They’re skipping the white picket fence and designing homes that match their actual lives. Some turn vans into mobile studios, others co-buy land with friends. Instead of waiting for a partner to “settle down,” they’re building spaces of comfort, art, and independence on their own terms—sometimes even without permanent roots.
Self-Partnership
For many single women, fulfillment is something they build within. Public figures like Tracee Ellis Ross, Emma Watson, and Mindy Kaling openly embrace this idea. Watson even coined the term “self-partnered” to frame singlehood not as lacking, but as grounded and intentional. This mindset prioritizes self-trust and emotional independence.
