Happily Ever After Is Real—When You’re Single

When fairy tales insist on a prince charming, Dr. Bella DePaulo flips the narrative—challenging the idea that romance is the only road to fulfillment. Drawing from her books Singled Out, Marriage vs. Single Life, Single at Heart, and The Best of Single Life, she paints a portrait of rich, joyous singlehood—one that’s been lovingly rejected by a lifetime of critics and cultural misconceptions.

1. Smashing the Myths of Singleness

In Singled Out, DePaulo debunks stereotypes: claims that singles are lonely, unhealthy, or incomplete are simply erroneous. Through decades of social science research, she shows that single people often live happily ever after—not in spite of being single, but because of it (Amazon, belladepaulo.com).

2. Freedom, Connection & Intentional Living

In Single at Heart, she expands on what “single at heart” means: having the freedom to shape your life authentically, build diverse and meaningful relationships, and choose intimacy on your terms (belladepaulo.com). She highlights how growing older while single often brings increasing happiness, resilience, and independence—contrary to what society phones in for “traditional” adulthood (belladepaulo.com).

3. Finding Strength in Solo Living

The Best of Single Life gathers DePaulo’s powerful essays—from “Savoring Our Solitude” to “Valuing Our Relationships”—making a compelling case that solitude isn’t emptiness. Rather, it's a path to self-discovery and rich life experiences (belladepaulo.com).

4. Health, Social Life & Generosity

Research highlighted by DePaulo (and reported in The Independent) shows that single people often enjoy better social networks, stay more physically active, and experience personal growth at a higher rate than married counterparts (The Independent). Notably, single men may even be more generous toward friends than married men—and that generosity increases following divorce (The Independent).

5. From Stigma to Pride

Bella’s own story echoes in Business Insider: in her seventies, she reflects on the liberation of embracing singlehood fully—no regrets, no apologies—and encourages others to do the same (Business Insider). She speaks candidly about past feelings of doubt, but celebrates the clarity and peace that arrived when she accepted her true self (Business Insider).

6. Voices from the Community

On Reddit, readers resonate with her message:

“There’s nothing relationships can offer you that the single lifestyle doesn’t.” (Reddit)“

One of the things that was refreshing about Dr DePaulo was feeling like someone was finally giving me permission to not just like my single life, but to prefer it.” (Reddit)

Living Happily Ever After—Your Way

Here's your happily-ever-after, reimagined. It’s not about ending alone—it’s about thriving alone:

• Be unapologetically you. Choose your days, your rhythms, your environment.

• Cultivate “the ones.” Friendships, passions, community—deep connection isn’t limited to romantic love.

• Embrace solitude as strength. Use it to recharge, reflect, and pursue growth.

• Stand tall against singlism. The stigma around singlehood is cultural—not factual.

• Trust yourself. If there’s peace in your solo path, there's power in your choice.

Final Thoughts

Your happily ever after doesn't have to come with an "I do." As Dr. Bella DePaulo proves through evidence, experience, and empathy, a single life can be rich, intentional, joyful—and entirely complete. Embrace your version of forever.