#Singlehood

A groundbreaking new study reveals that for single adults, the secret to a satisfying life lies not in the number of friends they have, but in the quality and flexibility of their friendships. The research, published in the academic journal Personal Relationships, challenges longstanding stereotypes about singlehood and shows that single people who feel satisfied with their friendships and can adapt their social connections enjoy greater emotional well-being than those who simply have large friendship circles or communicate frequently with friends.

A new study suggests that single adults are happiest not with the size of their social circle, but with how good and flexible their friendships are. Published in Personal Relationships, the research shows that satisfaction with friends and the ability to adapt social networks matter more for emotional well‑being than simply having many friends or frequent contact.

The findings resonate in Thai society, where rapid urbanization and collective values shape how people connect. As more Thai adults remain single—especially among urban millennials and Gen Z—understanding what boosts happiness becomes increasingly relevant. The idea that romance is the sole path to fulfillment overlooks the rich, supportive lives many single people lead, a reality echoed by the study.