Can you live a happy, meaningful, and fulfilling life without a romantic partner?
For many people, the answer seems obvious. Society often tells us that happiness comes from finding “the one,” getting married, and building a family. But is that actually what the research shows?
In this episode of Causes or Cures, I sit down with sociologist Professor Elyakim Kislev, author of Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and Celebration of Solo Living, to explore what decades of research tell us about being single—and why many of our assumptions about marriage, loneliness, and happiness may be overdue for a rethink.
Is Being Alone the Same as Being Lonely?
One of the biggest misconceptions we discuss is the idea that living alone automatically means feeling lonely.
Professor Kislev explains why being alone and being lonely are not the same thing and introduces the concepts of social loneliness and emotional loneliness—two experiences that can affect both single and married people.
In other words, having a partner doesn’t necessarily protect you from loneliness.
Are Happy Singles Different?
If some people thrive while single and others struggle, what makes the difference?
We discuss the characteristics and habits that often distinguish happy singles from unhappy singles, why some people enter relationships primarily to avoid loneliness, and how building strong friendships and community may matter just as much as finding a romantic partner.
Does Marriage Actually Make People Happier?
Marriage is often portrayed as the path to better health and greater happiness.
But is that cause or correlation?
Professor Kislev explains what researchers know—and what they don’t—about the relationship between marriage, health, and well-being. We also discuss how scientists study these questions and why it’s often difficult to separate the effects of marriage itself from the characteristics of the people who choose to marry.
Changing Attitudes Toward Singlehood
Single-person households are becoming increasingly common around the world, yet many cultural expectations surrounding marriage and family remain deeply rooted.
We explore how attitudes toward singlehood are changing, why never-married older adults often report surprisingly high levels of life satisfaction, and what these findings might mean for the future.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Whether you’re happily single, dating, married, divorced, widowed, or simply curious about what the research says, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at one of life’s biggest questions:
Can you truly thrive without a romantic partner?
Join me as Professor Elyakim Kislev shares what decades of research reveal about happiness, loneliness, relationships, and building a meaningful life—regardless of your relationship status.
Listen to the full episode of Causes or Cures above or here!
About Professor Elyakim Kislev
Professor Elyakim Kislev is a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Government at The Hebrew University and a Research Fellow at the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Columbia University and holds master’s degrees in counseling, public policy, and sociology.
A Fulbright Fellow and recipient of the Award for Outstanding Fulbright Scholars, his research focuses on singlehood, family, well-being, and social policy. He is the author of Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and Celebration of Solo Living.
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