Divorce rates among women over 50 have increased from 8.7% in 1990 to 36% in 2019. Why? Because women have realized that being single is far better than staying in an unhappy relationship.
This Valentine’s Day, Buy Your Own Flowers!
Being in a relationship that drains you or worse yet, kills your spirit, is never good. When there are more years behind than ahead, every single one of them is precious. Relationships can be wonderful, but only if they bring you joy, peace, companionship, or a mix of the three.
Here are 8 Reasons Why You’re Way Better Off Single Than in an Unhappy Relationship
1. Your Peace of Mind is Priceless
There’s nothing lonelier than being in a relationship where you feel unseen, unheard, or unappreciated. If you’re constantly walking on eggshells, dreading interactions, or feeling like you’re carrying the emotional weight of the relationship alone, that’s a heavy burden. Imagine waking up every day knowing that your space, your thoughts, and your emotions are your own. No more stress over someone else’s mood swings, expectations, or disappointments. Just peace.
2. You Deserve to Be Happy—Like, Really, Really Happy
Think back to a time when you felt truly happy. Was it when you were laughing with friends, traveling, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of contentment? Now, compare that feeling to how you felt in an unhappy relationship. If you used to feel more joy away from a partner than with them, then you are far better on your own. Happiness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
3. Single Life is Not What It Used to Be
Once upon a time, society made women believe that being single was some sort of failure or horror to endure – the “you’ll be an old cat lady” trope is over (full post here), and we just laugh at those trying to level it against us. (After all, if we prefer cats over you, what does that say about you?)
Being single today means freedom. It means getting to do what you want, when you want, without explaining yourself to anyone. It means setting your own priorities, whether that’s traveling, picking up a new passion, building a wider friend group, or simply enjoying a quiet, drama-free life. It means eating what you love, decorating your space the way you want, and spending your time with people who actually make you feel good.
4. Your Health Will Thank You
An unhappy relationship is more than just emotionally draining—it’s physically damaging, too. Studies show that constant stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. And let’s not even talk about the toll it takes on your sleep! A life filled with resentment, arguments, or emotional neglect isn’t just bad for your heart in the romantic sense; it’s bad for your actual heart. Prioritizing yourself and your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for a long and healthy life and healthspan (read about your Healthspan here).
5. You Get to Rediscover Yourself
Remember who you were before you became someone’s other half? That vibrant, independent woman with dreams, passions, and goals? She’s still in there. Being single allows you to reconnect with her. Maybe you’ve always wanted to take dance lessons, write a book, or move to a city you’ve always loved. Maybe you just want the simple pleasure of having your own routine without compromise. Now’s the time to figure out what truly makes you happy without having to consider someone else’s needs above your own.
6. Love Isn’t Off the Table—It’s Just on Your Terms
Being single doesn’t mean being alone forever (unless that’s what you want). It just means you’re no longer settling for less than you deserve. If love comes knocking again, great! But this time, it will be on your terms. No more tolerating neglect, disrespect, or mediocrity just to say you’re in a relationship. You get to choose joy, passion, and partnership that enhances your life—not one that diminishes it.
7. You Set the Example for Others
Whether you have daughters, nieces, younger friends, or even just other women in your circle, your choices show them what’s possible. Staying in a miserable relationship teaches the next generation that unhappiness is something to tolerate. Choosing your happiness and peace teaches them that they deserve better, too.
8. Your Future is Yours to Create
You’ve spent years being a wife, maybe a mother, maybe a caretaker. Now, it’s your turn. Imagine waking up every day knowing that your time belongs to you. No more waiting for someone else to change. No more compromising on things that matter to you. No more putting yourself last. This is your time to live fully, freely, and happily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re single, perhaps for the first time in a long time, it can be scary, I get it. Change is scary. But do you know what’s even scarier? Waking up one day and realizing you spent the best years of your life waiting for things to get better when you could have just chosen better for yourself.
Being single over 50 isn’t the end—it’s a whole new beginning. It’s a second chance at joy, adventure, and, most importantly, peace. And that, my friends, is worth everything.
