A survey by eHarmony and relationship support charity Relate has found that 70% of single men feel pressure to be in a relationship, compared to just 58% of women.
eHarmony psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos explained that women are more able to make use of strong friendships in the absence of a partner.
In addition to feeling more pressure to enter into a relationship, men also report higher levels of loneliness.
The findings challenge the stereotype of the male ‘bachelor’, suggesting women are actually the more comfortable of the two sexes when single.
77% of singletons had experienced loneliness, but only 45% ranked loneliness as a downside to being single.
41% of respondents would rather be alone than in a relationship with the wrong person, the survey also found.
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of Relate, told The Independent: “It’s important that we regard being single as a lifestyle choice which may change at any time and avoid making judgments about people’s relationship status”
eHarmony’s Romain Bertrand added: “(…) it’s encouraging to see that many people actively enjoy being on their own and have strong ties with family and friends.
“However, we also know that many singles feel burned out and jaded by casual dating.”
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