Being single is often painted as a life of independence and endless possibilities. But behind the scenes, many singles—especially baby boomers—encounter frustrations they rarely voice. From awkward questions to societal pressures, the single life isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Let’s uncover 10 things every single person secretly hates but would never admit.
1. Constant Unsolicited Relationship Advice
It seems like everyone has advice for single people. Well-meaning friends and family often dish out tips like, “You should try dating someone older,” or “Maybe you’re being too picky.” While the intent is supportive, it feels invasive and unwelcome. Baby boomers, especially, often find these conversations exhausting, as they’re repeatedly reminded of outdated notions about settling down. Singles wish others would focus on their happiness rather than assuming their lives need fixing.
2. Being Set Up Without Consent
Being set up on dates by friends or family can feel like walking into an ambush. Statements like, “I know someone perfect for you,” might sound thoughtful, but they often leave singles feeling like a problem needing a solution. For baby boomers, especially those who value their independence, these setups can feel like an unwelcome intrusion. People rarely consider whether the personalities or interests truly align, leading to awkward encounters and unnecessary frustration.
3. Navigating Lonely Holidays
Holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many single people, they amplify feelings of loneliness. Events like Christmas dinners or New Year’s Eve parties often revolve around couples and family units, leaving singles feeling like outsiders. For baby boomers who may have experienced years of celebrating holidays with a partner or children, facing these occasions alone can be especially challenging. Even when surrounded by loved ones, the absence of a significant other is hard to ignore.
4. Awkward Questions About Settling Down
“Why are you still single?” and “When are you going to settle down?” are questions no single person enjoys answering. These inquiries can feel judgmental, implying that being single is a temporary state that needs to end. Baby boomers, in particular, face this question from peers and family who grew up in eras when marriage was the norm. While some singles may be actively dating, others are content with their lives—but these questions often make them second-guess their choices.
5. Feeling Left Out of Couple-Centric Activities
Many social gatherings are built around couples, from dinner parties to vacations. For singles, these situations can feel isolating. Invitations often come with the assumption of a plus-one, leaving singles to either decline or show up alone, which can feel awkward. Baby boomers may find this even more frustrating, as they have experienced life as part of a couple and now feel excluded from events they once enjoyed. The fear of being the “odd one out” is real and disheartening.
6. Dealing with the Fear of Pity
Nothing is worse than sensing pity from others because of your relationship status. Comments like, “You must feel so lonely,” or “I don’t know how you do it,” can sting, even when well-meaning. Singles often feel like they’re being reduced to their lack of a partner, which undermines the rich, fulfilling lives they lead. For baby boomers, who have lived through many societal changes, the fear of being pitied can make them avoid conversations about their singlehood altogether.
7. The Stress of Modern Dating
Dating in today’s world is often exhausting. From swiping endlessly on apps to deciphering cryptic texts, the process feels more like work than fun. For baby boomers who grew up with more traditional dating customs, the fast-paced, technology-driven dating scene can feel daunting. It’s not just the mechanics of dating that are frustrating—it’s the constant pressure to put yourself out there, even when you’re perfectly happy as you are.
8. Constant Comparisons to Married Friends
It’s hard not to notice the differences between your life and those of your married friends. Whether it’s watching them plan vacations as couples, share holiday traditions, or talk about milestones, singles often feel like their lives are being measured against an unrealistic standard. For baby boomers, this comparison is particularly poignant, as many of their peers are celebrating decades of marriage or anniversaries. This unspoken competition can make singles feel like they’re somehow falling short.
9. Social Media and the ‘Perfect Couple’ Image
Social media often feels like a highlight reel of other people’s happy relationships. From engagement photos to anniversary tributes, the constant stream of “perfect couple” posts can feel overwhelming. Single people, especially baby boomers, may feel a mix of envy and irritation as they scroll through posts that seem to reinforce the idea that happiness is tied to being in a relationship. While many singles are content, these online narratives can still sting.
10. The Stigma of Enjoying Single Life
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of being single is the lack of understanding from others when you genuinely enjoy your independence. For some, being single means freedom, self-discovery, and living life on their own terms. However, society often portrays single life as something to escape. Baby boomers, who may have spent years in traditional roles, now relish their independence—but they frequently feel misunderstood by those who can’t imagine being content without a partner.
Final Thoughts
Being single, especially in your baby boomer years, comes with unique joys and challenges. While independence is empowering, societal pressures and outdated expectations can make single life feel unnecessarily complicated. By acknowledging these unspoken frustrations, we can foster a greater understanding of the diverse paths people take in life. Whether single or partnered, everyone deserves respect, happiness, and the freedom to live life on their own terms.