US Women Saying No To Marriage? Relationship Experts Reveal The Real Reasons Behind The Trend

In a world that has long equated a woman's value with marriage and family, a quiet revolution is taking place, and it's changing the way modern women define happiness and success. From corporate boardrooms to creative studios, and across cafes, co-working spaces, and even family WhatsApp groups, more and more women are boldly declaring: "Single is not sad, it's self-respect." Experts in relationships opine that singleness is no longer regarded as a short-term phase to hurry out of but a deliberate choice. Committed to one that values mental calm, emotional health, and personal aspiration over societal expectations. This transformation is particularly evident among educated, urban women all over the world, including in India, where marriage has traditionally been a rigidly defined institution.

Protecting peace over chasing partnership
According to dating and relationship expert Danielle Szetela, today’s women are increasingly making personal well-being their top priority. “They’re not afraid of love — they’re afraid of losing themselves in relationships that demand they shrink, settle, or self-abandon,” Szetela told to the Daily Mail. Instead of rushing into marriage or long-term relationships, many women are choosing to wait for something meaningful or not wait at all. “They’re choosing peace over chaos, purpose over pressure, and emotional safety over surface-level connection,” Szetela added.

Singlehood as a Choice, Not a Compromise
Traditional expectations often equate marriage with success, especially for women. This global trend is making waves. Women, especially those pursuing careers or creative passions, are now rejecting the notion that being single means being lonely. Brittney LaBonte, a counselor and wellness program manager, emphasizes that being single can be joyful and empowering. “There’s a difference between being single and being lonely. Single living can be rich, fulfilling, and aligned with one’s goals,” she said. Many women today are actively opting for solo travel, investing in self-care, and building careers or start-ups, enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with not being in a committed relationship.

Stronger Friendships, Fuller Lives
Recent studies also back this trend. Research has shown that women, globally and in India, often have stronger emotional bonds with friends and family, which reduces the need for romantic companionship as the sole source of emotional support. Men have more to gain from partnering than single women, and that is why single women are often happier than their male counterparts.

No Rush, No Regret: ‘Wholeness Before Romance’
LaBonte encourages single women not to feel pressured by society’s ticking clock. “The best relationships come when you are your best self. That takes time, introspection, and a lot of self-love,” she said. Many women are now defining success on their terms — whether it means getting married later, remaining single, or dating on their terms. Some women are even exploring multiple connections or investing their energy in passion projects. “If the fish in the sea aren’t worth the dive, they’d rather swim solo,” LaBonte quipped.

From the West to the East, women are redefining what happiness and fulfillment mean. For many, that starts with choosing themselves. And in India, the winds of change are blowing strong — one independent woman at a time.