One in four adults will stay single for life, study says

Is being single becoming more common than ever?

The study, which was carried out by the Pew Research Center, suggests that the trend is likely down to changing societal norms, a shift in priorities, and economic pressures.

Traditional expectations surrounding marriage have certainly changed over the years, with a growing number of people prioritising their personal freedom and independence as opposed to co-dependency.

Many people are also prioritising their careers, their personal growth, and other life goals as opposed to marriage.

The high cost of living and debt (such as student debt) also make it a lot more difficult for individuals to find a partner and to afford a wedding.

According to experts, a full life of being single doesn’t mean being alone—it just means living on your own terms.

The news comes after it was revealed Irish women are waiting longer to get married.

The Central Statistics Office revealed that the ages of brides and grooms are rising in Ireland.

The average bride marries at 36 and the average groom ties the knot at 37.

There were 19,680 marriages in Ireland in 2024, with 325 male same-sex weddings and 343 female same-sex marriages.

The average couple is spending between €25,000 and €36,000 on their weddings in Ireland.