Dating & Relationship Expert Says “today’s woman, being single isn’t a failure — it’s a form of self-love”

Every year, more and more women choose to be single. But why? DailyMail.com spoke exclusively with Brittney LaBonte, a counselor and family wellness program manager at Mountainside Treatment Center, and Daniella Szetela, a dating and relationship expert for the dating safety app Tea, to understand why so many women today are choosing to stay single. In short, Daniella said: ‘There’s been a simple but profound shift in the dating space: Women are realizing that protecting their peace is their number one priority.

‘They’re afraid of losing themselves in relationships that ask them to shrink, settle, or self-abandon.’ She added that this choice isn’t one ‘rooted in bitterness’ but in ‘clarity and strength.’ ‘Choosing peace over chaos, purpose over pressure, and emotional safety over surface-level connection,’ she detailed to FEMAIL.  The relationship expert revealed the ‘most powerful’ aspect behind making this choice. ‘Many of these women would rather wait than walk into something that isn’t going to serve them,’ she said. ‘They’re not waiting for love to complete them — they’re protecting the wholeness they’ve fought so hard to feel. Because for today’s woman, being single isn’t a failure — it’s a form of self-love.’

Brittney, a former dating coach and relationship counselor, emphasized an important distinction: ‘Being single is NOT the same as being lonely. ‘In fact, single living can be empowering, fulfilling, and downright joyful. ‘She also explored the multiple reasons why women in 2025 have made the active choice to remain single.  ‘Now more than ever, women are embracing the freedom to chase their dreams — whether that’s traveling the world, pursuing new career paths, or diving into hobbies and passions they’ve always had on their minds,’ she stated. ‘Women are creating lives that are rich with experiences and accomplishments, not bound by the pressure to “settle down.” ‘It’s about being a whole, complete person before bringing someone else into the mix.’

Source: Dailymail