Maybe you are considering filing for
divorce, but are terrified that you won’t be able to cope with the loneliness
of the single life. It’s true, being single often involves having
your own space, and maybe you are craving some companionship. However,
you don’t have to succumb to the loneliness of your life apart from
a spouse who hasn’t lived up to your expectations. The U.S. Census
says that there are about 31 million one-person households in the U.S.,
and this is the country’s fastest-growing living unit. Therefore,
even if you may feel like it, you are far from alone in your situation.
A study at the University of Chicago admits that single men often take
poor care of themselves and end up in bad health as they age. They drink
too much, don’t eat healthy, are less likely to wear seat belts
when driving, and often have unprotected sex. Single women tend to fare
better than their male counterparts because they form tight girl friendships
which give them the social support that they need to lack in loneliness.
Yet while in the past researchers saw a definite gap in the health and
emotional welfare of the married and unmarried, that split has narrowed
to near nothing.
The University of Texas concluded that the option of single life is becoming
an increasingly popular option without a lot of adverse results. Those
who are not married can form a family by networking. Currently, the definition
of a family is changing, and more and more men and women are finding out
that by gathering close friends they can eliminate their loneliness. Eric
Klinenberg, the author of a book about living alone called
Going Solo, says that there is a large distinction between social isolation and living
alone. While the first is unhealthy, the latter can provide unique opportunities
and relationships that married couples are never able to experience. So
don’t be worried when it comes to divorce, living alone does not
have to be lonely, and could be the best decision if you are trying to
escape a dismal marriage.