If you’ve ever wondered why you’re still single while your friends seem to be in relationships, new research from the University of Zurich might offer some insight. A major study tracking more than 17,000 people over more than a decade has revealed patterns that help explain who is more likely to remain single for longer — and why.
The research team followed young adults in the UK and Germany annually from ages 16 to 29, all of whom had no prior romantic relationship experience at the start of the study. By tracking them year after year, the scientists were able to identify key factors that significantly increased the likelihood of staying single through young adulthood.
One of the clearest findings was that higher levels of education were linked with longer periods of singlehood. Participants with stronger academic focus were more likely to delay romantic relationships, perhaps because they were prioritising career goals, studies or personal development over coupling up.
Living arrangements also played a role. Young adults who lived alone or continued to live with their parents tended to remain single for longer. In contrast, those living with friends or flatmates appeared more likely to enter relationships earlier — possibly because shared social settings created more opportunities for meeting potential partners.
The study also found that men were more likely to stay single for longer compared with women, and that lower overall well-being — such as greater loneliness or lower life satisfaction at any point — was associated with prolonged singlehood. In other words, how you’re feeling mentally can influence not just how long you stay single, but also whether you enter your first relationship at all.
Importantly, the researchers emphasised that being single is not inherently bad. Media and culture increasingly frame singlehood as a valid lifestyle choice — with concepts like solo living, self-partnership and sologamy gaining traction. Yet the data suggests that, on average, remaining single for many years may have implications for psychological well-being, particularly as people move into their late twenties.
The study tracked changes in life satisfaction and loneliness over time, finding that those who stayed single longer generally reported a greater decline in happiness and increased feelings of loneliness as they aged — trends that became especially noticeable in the late twenties.
However, the research also showed that entering a first romantic relationship was associated with improvements in life satisfaction and reduced loneliness, both in the short term and over the long term. That doesn’t mean everyone should rush into a relationship — after all, partnerships can also be sources of stress — but it does suggest having a close, supportive connection can boost well-being for many people.
Overall, the study offers a nuanced picture: education, living situation, gender and psychological health all have a role to play in whether someone remains single into their late twenties and beyond. While single life can be a valid and fulfilling choice, the research highlights that social connection and supportive networks matter for our emotional health — something many singles may want to think about as they navigate modern dating and relationships.
