Hello, my people!Let’s talk about something that so many of us experience but rarely get to discuss openly—the reality of being a single woman. Some days, it feels like freedom, like having the whole world at your feet with no one to answer to. Other days, it’s a never-ending chorus of “When are you settling down?” as if happiness only comes in pairs. The truth is, being single is not just a phase or something to “fix.” It’s a life, a choice, a journey—one filled with joys, challenges, and a whole lot of unsolicited advice. So, let’s dive into what it really means to walk this path.
-----------
Being a single woman comes with a unique mix of freedom, challenges, and societal expectations. To be single is often seen as a temporary phase, a waiting room before something "greater" arrives. But for many, it's a conscious choice—a life unburdened by compromise, shaped by independence.
To be strong is to carry the weight of self-respect, to navigate life without leaning too heavily on others. Strength isn’t just about resilience in hardship; it’s about knowing when to stand alone and when to let others in.
To be questioned is inevitable. Society questions those who stray from its norms. Why are you still single? Why do you seem so strong when vulnerability is expected? But perhaps the greatest power lies in not answering every question—just living in a way that makes the answers obvious.
There’s an unspoken expectation that a woman’s life should follow a linear path—study, work, marry (at the "right" age), have children, and dedicate herself to family. “What happens when a woman doesn’t follow the timeline that society quietly expects of her?”What if she chooses—or finds herself in—a life of independence, without marriage or a conventional family structure?
There’s something about a woman being single that makes society uncomfortable. If she’s in her 20s, people joke that she still has time. In her 30s, the concern begins. By her 40s, the questions turn into judgments. “Didn’t she find anyone?” “She’s too picky.” “What will happen to her when she grows old?”
I have known highly accomplished and proficient women,who are financially independent, and capable of building a life on their own terms. But many of them didn’t choose singlehood because they wanted to. They did it because they had responsibilities—aging parents who needed care, family situations that required their attention. These women sacrificed their personal dreams to be there for their loved ones. And yet, instead of being appreciated, they find themselves not praised, but whispered about in hushed tones. Society raises its eyebrows, whispering behind their backs, as if their single status is a problem that needs solving.
Whereas, men in similar situations are seen differently. A man who remains unmarried is often admired—he was too busy building a career, too focused on responsibilities, too noble to "settle." But for a woman, there’s always the assumption that something is lacking—either she didn’t try hard enough or she wasn’t good enough to be chosen.
What people fail to see is that these women are not incomplete. They are strong, self-sufficient, and deeply compassionate. They don’t need a husband to validate their existence. They are already caregivers, decision-makers, and independent individuals. Yet, the world constantly reminds them of what they don’t have, instead of celebrating everything they do.
And then comes the ultimate question: Who will take care of her in old age? But does marriage guarantee lifelong care? We’ve seen elderly couples where one spouse is left to struggle alone. We’ve seen parents with children who don’t visit them. Having a partner or children is no guarantee of support. And even if it were, is that really the only reason to get married—to secure a caretaker for later?
Being single is not a tragedy. It is not a failure. It is a reality that many women live with grace, strength, and dignity. And it’s time society stops treating them as if they are missing a piece of themselves. Because they are whole, just as they are.
Thankfully, perspectives are shifting. More women are embracing their singleness, not as a waiting phase but as a fulfilling lifestyle. Some choose it permanently, while others refuse to settle for less than they deserve. The reality is, being single doesn’t mean being lonely, and being married doesn’t guarantee happiness. What truly matters is having the freedom to define your own life, without societal expectations dictating your worth.
Final Thoughts
A woman’s value isn’t determined by her relationship status. Whether single by choice or circumstance, women deserve to be seen as whole, capable, and complete—just as they are. Society needs to stop treating singlehood as a problem to be fixed and start seeing it as a valid, empowered way of living.