Forget what you saw on Sex and the City! Most Singles Are Actually Introverts, Study Finds

It is often considered the definitive representation of the single life.

But a new study suggests that Sex and the City got it wrong: Most singles aren’t outgoing and extroverted like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.

Instead, researchers at the University of Toronto say that most single people are actually introverts.

“In a world that caters to extroverts, introverts are misrepresented as antisocial,” said Elaine Hoan, lead author of the study.

‘The reality is that introverts enjoy their alone time and their independence, and they can emotionally regulate, that is, they can manage their reactions to their feelings on their own. Therefore, an introvert may prefer being single to being in a relationship.’

In their study, the team set out to understand whether our personality traits can predict whether we are single or in a relationship.

More than 1,800 participants were recruited, aged between 20 and 59, who had been single or in a relationship for at least six months.

Participants completed questionnaires that measured their personality, satisfaction with marital status, sexual satisfaction, and life satisfaction.

The results revealed that introverted participants were more likely to be single.

“Extroverts are happier than introverts overall, regardless of whether they’re single or not, and introversion makes it a little harder to get into a relationship because introverts may not find themselves in social situations as often,” Mrs. Hoan said. .

University of Toronto researchers say most single people are actually introverts (file image)

“Other existing research also suggests that being in a relationship can make someone more extroverted, by increasing confidence and expanding their social circle.”

The researchers also found links between conscientiousness, neuroticism, and relationship status.

Single people were less likely to agree with descriptors such as “keeps things clean and tidy” and “gets things done.”

In addition, they agreed more with phrases such as ‘he can be tense’, ‘he often feels sad’ and ‘he is temperamental’.

“Conscientious people are more likely to be goal-oriented, especially toward traditional goals like getting a job and getting married, in addition to exhibiting a strong work ethic, which can fuel their desire and ability to initiate and commit to a romantic relationship.” . ‘ said Mrs Hoan.

“Depressive symptoms such as sadness and lack of energy can make it more difficult to seek and maintain a relationship, while the emotional support gained in a romantic relationship may reduce these symptoms.”

Researchers hope the findings will help eliminate the stigma surrounding being single.

“There’s a stigma associated with being single; you know, people say, ‘You’d be happier if you were in a relationship, so why not?’ when that’s not necessarily true for everyone,” Ms Hoan added.

“I hope what people take away from our research is the idea that you don’t have to be someone you’re not, just be yourself.”