Rise of the freemale ( Archived) (33)

I was caught by a headline today, Rise of the freemale: The women who'd rather be single than share their time and money.


-The-women-whod-single-share-time-money.html

It began saying that women who prefer to remain single aren't looking for love, a rather ridiculous statement because we are all looking for love whether or not it is in a "marriage mode" or not.

I had to agree with much of the article, other than the beginning statement. I want a partnership/best friendship but have for many years been rather wary of marriage. In a committed relationship I'm loyal, monogamous and follow the guidelines and rules agreed on between my partner and myself. Still marriage kind of freaks me out and I would only want it after some significant time with my partner if the relationship was fulfilling for both of us.

Some other statements from the article were;

"They apparently choose to be alone, and rejoice in a life where they can spend time and money as they wish.

This new breed of singleton has been dubbed a 'freemale', because she chooses her freedom over a family.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that 8 per cent of the female population aged between 25 and 44 live alone. This equates to some 690,480 women - double the number of 20 years ago, when there were approximately 345,000.

The figures coincide with a record low in marriage rates and a rise in divorce rates. And recent research showed that some two-thirds feel that they can enjoy a happy and fulfilled life without a partner. The trend looks set to continue.

Single-person homes will be one of the huge social trends of the next decade or so, accounting for 70 per cent of the growth in households by 2026, official forecasts have shown.

Paula Hall, a relationship psychotherapist with Relate, said many women had been put off relying on relationships for their happiness.

She said: 'There's a cynicism about the benefits of long-term relationships because people have seen lots of them break down.

'If you're busy and fulfilled with lots of close friends, then relationships may seem a bit irrelevant, emotionally high-risk and a lot of hard work. There is also less of an economic need for women to be in relationships than there used to be.

'Basically, women feel comfortable doing whatever they want to do with their lives.'"

Does anyone here feel that way? Personally I think of this trend as gender neutral.

Yep I agree....I don't agree with the part that says will forego a relationship rather than a family though because if you're divorced....you probably already have a family...children anyway....yes I think it's gender neutral too....people just don't want to be bothered anymore...I know I don't....I find peace in being single and have a very LOW tolerance for other people's crap....

I find this piece very true for me also......


She said: 'There's a cynicism about the benefits of long-term relationships because people have seen lots of them break down.

'If you're busy and fulfilled with lots of close friends, then relationships may seem a bit irrelevant, emotionally high-risk and a lot of hard work. There is also less of an economic need for women to be in relationships than there used to be.

'Basically, women feel comfortable doing whatever they want to do with their lives.'"

I better stay mute on this one or i'll cause a riot.

No come on let's hear your views.....

To interject a male perspective here...I think it's great that more and more women are choosing to be independent rather than rely on husbands and family. It's a new age where not only women, but all people, can do as they please without having to stress about who's judging them. In fact, I once read an article that stated that men define themselves by their careers, and women defined themselves by their relationships. I had to dispute this because I think those roles are changing more and more everyday. I know some women who are very career driven and stay "in character" even in their off hours. Conversely, I know many men who are nothing outside of a relationship. I do think the term "freemale" is rather insulting, indicating that females are not "free" because of their gender, and defining females' roles based on old tradition. Now I can't speak for all guys when it comes to this, but I love strong, independent women who believe in making their own way, doing as they please, and never feeling that they have to apologize for it.

I am not some aggressive dominant alpha personality in the corporate world, but rather a content simple little girl with a garden, a job & some goals to achieve.

There are more than enough women running around "servicing" the needs of the men in my city,
I'm just not one of them.


That's me too...- the garden....because I kill anything green.....

Very nicely said.

Thanks! I can be quite articulate when the situation calls for it...sometimes makes people think I'm gay...

Well it's very refreshing to see....