Can You Be Happy Single? | Elaine Hoan PhD Researcher

Elaine Hoan, a researcher studying singlehood and wellbeing, discusses the trends and factors affecting singles. She explores the question of who has better sex, singles or partnered people, and explains that research suggests partnered people tend to have higher quality and more frequent sex. Elaine also highlights the rising rates of unmarried individuals and the reasons why people are choosing to stay single, including career goals and economic factors. She delves into the personality traits of singles, such as introversion, lower conscientiousness, and higher neuroticism, and emphasizes that happiness should not be the sole measure of a meaningful life. The conversation explores the cultural value of extroversion, interpreting low energy responses, not taking things personally, tips for introverted singles, meeting partners through hobbies and interests, Elaine's origin story of meeting her partner through a video game and the impact of online communities on relationships. Connect with Elaine https://twitter.com/elaine_hoan?lang=en Download Couply https://couply.page.link/podcast The best couples app to help your relationship. Couples quizzes, ask a new question every day and a long-distance mode to keep you connected. We have a TON of FREE content to help you build trust, improve communication and invest in your relationship skills. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 00:09 Researching Singles and Sex 03:19 Trends in Singleness and Wellness 04:11 Reasons for Choosing Singleness 05:29 Economic Benefits and Discrimination 07:28 Personality Types and Singleness 15:07 Personality Profile of Singles 26:33 Using Personality Traits to Navigate Singleness 28:14 The Cultural Value of Extroversion 29:00 Interpreting Low Energy Responses 30:26 Not Taking Things Personally 32:29 Tips for Introverted Singles 33:24 Meeting Partners through Hobbies and Interests 34:04 Elaine's got game: Meeting Her Partner through the League of Legends Video Game 36:47 The Impact of Online Communities on Relationships 43:44 Gender Differences in Happiness 46:24 The Emotional Intelligence Challenge for Men 54:39 The Impact of Technology and Online Communities on Singleness 59:06 Elaine's Personal Journey: Meeting a Partner through League of Legends TLDR: Takeaways Partnered people tend to have higher quality and more frequent sex compared to singles. The number of unmarried individuals is rising globally, and people are choosing to stay single for various reasons, including career goals and economic factors. Singles tend to have different personality traits, such as introversion, lower conscientiousness, and higher neuroticism, but this does not mean their lives are less meaningful. Happiness should not be the sole measure of a meaningful life, and singles can navigate their singleness by understanding their personality traits and focusing on what brings them fulfillment. Extroverted people tend to be happier in various cultures, and there is a cultural value placed on extroversion. Interpreting low energy responses from others can be challenging, but it's important not to take it personally and consider other factors. Being single does not mean there is something wrong with you, and it's important to focus on personal well-being! For introverted singles, getting involved in hobbies and interests can be a great way to meet potential partners. Technology and online communities can facilitate connections and relationships, but it's important to be cautious and maintain in-person interactions. Gender differences exist in happiness, with women generally reporting higher levels of happiness when single. Men face challenges in developing emotional intelligence and social skills, which can impact their relationships. The impact of technology on singleness is complex, with potential benefits and risks. Personal experiences of meeting partners through technology can vary, and trust and communication are crucial in online relationships.