Forget what you saw in Sex and the City! Most singletons are actually introverts, study finds

It is often considered the ultimate representation of single life.

But a new study shows that Sex and the City got it wrong: Most single people aren’t outgoing extroverts like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.

Instead, researchers at the University of Toronto say the majority of 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 free time and independence, and are emotionally regulated, meaning they can self-manage their responses to their feelings. So someone who is an introvert may prefer to be single rather than be in a relationship.”

In their research, the team wanted to understand whether or not our personality traits can predict whether we are single or in a relationship.

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

The participants completed questionnaires that measured their personality, relationship status satisfaction, sexual satisfaction and life satisfaction.

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

‘Extroverts tend to be happier than introverts – regardless of whether they were single or not – and introversion makes it a little harder to get into a relationship in the first place, because introverts may not be in social situations as often end up,” Ms Hoan said. .

University of Toronto researchers say the majority of single people are actually introverts (stock image)

‘Other existing research also suggests that being in a relationship can make a person more outgoing, by boosting self-confidence and widening their social circle.’

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

Singles were less likely to agree with descriptions such as ‘keeps things neat and tidy’ and ‘gets things done’.

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

“Conscientious people are more likely to be goal-oriented, especially toward traditional goals such as finding a job and getting married, and exhibit a strong work ethic, so this may contribute to their desire and ability to enter into and commit to a romantic relationship.” tie. Mrs. Hoan said.

“Depressive symptoms such as sadness and low energy can make it more difficult to pursue and maintain a relationship, while the emotional support you receive in a romantic relationship can reduce these symptoms.”

The researchers hope the findings will help remove the stigma surrounding being single.

‘There’s a stigma attached to being single – you know, people who say, “You’d be happier if you were in a relationship, so why not?” – while that doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone,” Ms Hoan added.

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