Regardless of what romantic comedies and your nosy grandmother might tell you, being single isn’t the end of the world. In fact, there are plenty of real benefits to flying solo. Whether you’re single by choice or just in between beaus, here are some science-backed reminders that being single can actually be pretty great.

1. Single people exercise more

If you’re single, there’s a good chance you’re hitting the gym more often than your married peers. A 2011 study found that men and women who have never been married exercised more than people in any other marital category (including currently married men and women, as well as divorcees and widowers).

2. They sleep better

It should come as little surprise that sharing a bed with another human being can affect how much sleep you get. After all, having someone tossing and turning, snoring, and talking in their sleep beside you can affect even the deepest sleepers. Being single cuts down on nighttime disruptions and can help you get a more peaceful night’s sleep.

3. They do less housework

If you hate doing chores, single life might be right for you. A 2008 study found that single men and women spend fewer hours a week doing basic housework than their married counterparts.

4. They are closer to friends and family

Single people are the glue that keeps families together. According to one study, single siblings are more likely to keep in touch with, and reach out to, their siblings than those who are married. Another study found that single people also spend more time with friends than those in long-term relationships.

5. They have less debt

Being single doesn’t just benefit your waistline and social life. It also benefits your wallet. Researchers have found that married people have more credit card debt than single people, and people who are married with children have the most debt of all.

6. They are less stressed

Staying single can help you prevent certain kinds of stress and depression. One 2014 study found that marital stress may make couples more prone to depression, while couples who experience severe, ongoing marital stress were less able to enjoy positive experiences.

无论浪漫喜剧和你爱管闲事的奶奶告诉你什么，单身不是世界末日。事实上，独自一人有很多实实在在的好处。无论你自愿单身还是处于空窗期，这里有些科学的理由提醒你，单身其实可以很棒。

单身人士锻炼多

如果你单身，与已婚的同龄人相比，很可能你在健身房里挥汗如雨的时间更多。2011年的一项研究发现，与那些和婚姻有过羁绊的人(包括已婚、离异和丧偶人士)相比，从未结过婚的男士和女士锻炼的更多。

单身人士睡得香

与另外一个人同床共枕会影响睡眠这一点不太令人惊讶。毕竟，枕边有个人在辗转发侧，打呼，说梦话，即便平时睡得最香的人也会受影响。单身就不必担心这些夜间的打扰，可以睡得更安稳。

单身人士家务少

如果你讨厌做家务事，那么单身生活也许更适合你。2008年的一项研究发现，与已婚人士相比，单身男士和女士每周花在基本家务上的时间更少。

单身人士与朋友和家人更亲近

单身人士是家人的黏合剂。一项研究发现，与已婚人士相比，兄弟姐妹中单身人士更可能彼此保持联系、相互往来。另一项研究则发现，与那些处于婚姻和恋爱中的人相比，单身人士花更多时间与朋友交往。

单身人士债务少

单身不仅对你的腰围和社交生活有利，它还对你的钱包有好处。研究人员发现，已婚人士信用卡债务比单身人士高，而有孩子的已婚人士负债最高。

单身人士压力少

保持单身能帮你避免一些压力和忧愁。2014年的一项研究发现，婚姻压力使夫妻双方更有可能抑郁，而经历严重、持续的婚姻压力的夫妻享受积极体验的可能性更小。”(Chinadaily.com.cn)

    Words to Learn 相关词汇

   【伴侣】bànlǚ beau a male lover or sweetheart

    【易于】yìyú prone to showing a tendency or likelihood