For decades, getting married and starting a family was seen as the natural next step in life— Something many people aspired to from a young age. Today, however, that expectation has changed dramatically.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marriage is no longer the most common living arrangement among adults in England and Wales, and the number of people who have never married or entered a civil partnership continues to rise.
Recent ONS data shows that just under 50% of adults aged 16 and over are married or in a civil partnership. It also reveals that around 37% of adults have never married, a figure that has steadily increased over the past decade. In addition, people are marrying later in life, with the average age now around 32 for men and 30 for women, compared to the early twenties in the 1970s.
What’s clear from this shift is that many people are not rejecting relationships altogether; they are simply changing how they define and commit to them. For many, being single is a deliberate choice to prioritise personal freedom, career progression, and financial independence.
There is also a growing reluctance to commit, with some people struggling to balance relationships alongside busy, demanding lifestyles. Being in a relationship requires compromise, patience and sacrifice, and not everyone is willing to make those adjustments.
While every story is unique, singleness often falls into two main categories:
Single by Choice
This group sees singleness as a healthy phase of life to:
For them, being single isn’t a problem — it’s an opportunity.
Single by Exhaustion
Others remain single not because they want to but because they feel emotionally drained. Past disappointments, repeated heartbreaks or failed relationships can lead people to close themselves off emotionally. Over time, they may stop believing that a happy relationship is possible at all. This form of singleness often acts as a protective barrier to avoid further pain.
It’s common for people to blame former partners for failed relationships. While mistakes may have been made on both sides, true healing begins with honest self-reflection.
Taking responsibility for our own patterns, reactions and choices allows personal growth to take place. This process is essential for anyone who hopes to experience a healthy relationship in the future.
Avoiding relationships altogether doesn’t heal emotional wounds; it simply hides them, and unresolved pain has a way of resurfacing. True happiness doesn’t come from being in a relationship, nor from avoiding one. It comes from being at peace with yourself. Learning to enjoy your own company and overcome past traumas are key steps towards emotional wellbeing.
That’s why January is known as ‘Love Life Diagnosis Month’ — a time to pause, reflect and identify what may be holding you back emotionally.
This Thursday, join us at the Cathedral of Miracles for the Love Therapy Seminar. Discover how to practice intelligent love, experience emotional healing and prepare yourself for a healthy and fulfilling love life.
Event:Â The Love Therapy Seminar
Day and time:Â Thursday, 22nd January at 8pm
Location:Â The Cathedral of Miracles, Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3NX (outside London via conference)
Source:
Â
