Episode 14: The Rise of the Happily Single Woman

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Something interesting is happening in our culture right now. According to a 2023 Pew Research Data Survey, almost half of US women didn’t view marriage as an important element of a fulfilling life, as reported by the WSJ.

Something is definitely happening, and this made me want to learn more about why it is projected that by the year 2030 45% of women are expected to be single. Are we witnessing a culture shift where singlehood is no longer considered a failure, but instead a choice? Is marriage shifting from a life milestone to a lifestyle choice?

Here are the suggested reasons for this culture shift:

• Women are now more economically independent.
• Many women are choosing to either delay having children, or choosing to not have any at all.
• Many women are content with living alone and being able to tend to themselves without having to take on caring for others and putting themselves on the back burner.

So, if you are single, may soon be single, or have people you care about who are single, what are a few ways to make sure you make the most of your singlehood?

According to Bella DePaulo author of “Single at Heart”, there are three skills to help get the most joy out of it: making sure your alone time is “restorative” and not “intimidating solitude”, having hobbies and activities you really enjoy, and of course having rewarding relationships in your life.

A reminder for us all, being alone is not the same as being lonely.

Closing Toast

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Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.