12 Things That Make Single Men Feel More Miserable Than They Admit

Let’s be honest: the “bachelor lifestyle” is often sold as a non-stop party of freedom, disposable income, and zero accountability. We see the highlights on Instagram, the solo trips to Bali, the sleek apartments, and the pristine gaming setups, but for many guys, the reality hits a little differently when the camera stops rolling. I’ve been there myself, staring at a ceiling fan on a Tuesday night, wondering if this is really the “dream” everyone promised.

According to the Pew Research Center, a staggering 63% of men under 30 are now single, a statistic that has nearly doubled in recent years. Yet, we rarely talk about the emotional toll this takes because, well, we’re guys, and we’re supposed to love it. But ignoring the downsides doesn’t make them disappear. So, let’s drop the facade and talk about the things that genuinely grind us down.

The Silent Epidemic of Loneliness

Feeling lonely isn’t just something for older generations; young single men are dealing with it too. According to Gallup data from 2023–2024, around 25% of U.S. men aged 15–34 report feeling lonely “a lot,” which is notably higher than the national average and far higher than among women in the same age group.

Experts call loneliness a modern epidemic, with serious consequences like depression, heart disease, and even early death if left unaddressed. Sadly, most men try to hide it, often joking about it instead of seeking help.

Shrinking Male Friendships

Gone are the days when men could rely on a solid group of close friends for emotional support. Today, many single men find themselves socially isolated with fewer close friendships than their fathers did. According to the American Perspectives Survey, thirty years ago, a majority of men (55 percent) reported having at least six close friends. Today, that number has been cut in half. Fifteen percent of men say they have no close friends at all, a fivefold increase since 1990. 

This shift is particularly tough for single men because they often rely on a romantic partner for emotional support. Without that partner, many feel emotionally stranded. The male loneliness epidemic highlights this growing issue of male isolation and its deep psychological impact.

The Cost-of-Living “Single Tax”

Being single doesn’t just hurt emotionally; it’s financially draining too. The rising cost of living hits single men hard, especially when they’re living alone. According to research, young single-person households often spend over 40% of their disposable income just on housing.

This financial strain, combined with the stress of managing everything alone, leads to higher psychological distress for single men. Imagine trying to make ends meet while also juggling the stress of loneliness and isolation. It’s a heavy burden.

Dating App Burnout and Constant Rejection

Swipe left, swipe right…repeat. Sound familiar? While dating apps have made meeting people easier than ever, they’ve also become a source of frustration. A 2024 survey by Forbes Health found that 74% of men on dating apps experience burnout.

The main culprits? Feeling rejected or, worse, unable to find a meaningful connection. Dating apps can turn into a “bleak hellscape,” where ignored messages and ghosting chip away at a man’s self-esteem. Does anyone actually feel better after hours of swiping?

Sex Droughts and Feeling Undesirable

Sex isn’t just a physical need; it’s often tied to self-worth. Men under 30 are much more likely to be single and sexually inactive than women, and it’s something many won’t admit hurts. According to the Pew Research Center, 63% of men under 30 are now single, compared with 34% of women in the same age group. 

This can lead to a feeling of being undesirable, especially for men who equate masculinity with their sex life. Long periods without intimacy can feed into self-doubt, reliance on porn, and withdrawal from social activities.

Pornography as a Coping Mechanism That Backfires

Pornography is often seen as a quick fix for loneliness, but for many, it only makes things worse. A 2024 study found that daily porn use doubled the risk of depression and increased the likelihood of feeling lonely “most of the time.” Researchers say this creates a vicious cycle. Porn is used to cope with emotional stress, but it often worsens feelings of isolation. It’s almost like a temporary escape that leaves men feeling even worse afterward.

The “Man Up” Trap and Not Seeking Help

Men are conditioned to hide their struggles, but it only hurts them in the long run. Many men with mental health issues avoid seeking help because they fear being perceived as weak. A large number of men with significant depression symptoms didn’t think they needed mental healthcare, compared to women.

This “man up” mentality keeps many men from accessing necessary support, which leads to prolonged suffering. When did asking for help become such a bad thing? Well, it would be quite difficult for men to access mental health services.

Career Stagnation and Falling Behind

Without a partner to encourage long-term planning, some single men feel stuck in dead-end jobs. Unmarried men are more likely to experience career stagnation, with many feeling trapped in low-paying, unstable positions.

This can feel even worse when compared to married peers, who often enjoy higher earnings and greater financial freedom and stability. So, when you see your friends climbing the career ladder, it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind. Studies show that economic challenges are directly tied to mental health for single men.

Social Isolation After Breakups and Life Transitions

When a relationship ends or a major life change happens, men often lose their social networks. Men’s friendships are often built around activities like work or sports, so when something changes (like a breakup or a job loss), they can suddenly find themselves socially adrift.

Because of the stigma around loneliness, many men don’t rebuild these connections, making them even more isolated.

Feeling Emotionally “Out of Practice”

Talking about feelings isn’t exactly the “manly” thing to do, right? For many men, the inability to express emotions creates a real challenge, especially when they’re single.

Men are less likely than women to seek out emotional support, leaving single men feeling emotionally “out of practice.” It’s like trying to talk a foreign language when you’ve never studied it. Research shows that this emotional barrier is a growing concern for many men.

Comparing Themselves to “Settled” Peers

Watching friends settle down can make single men feel like they’re failing at life. Homeowners tend to be financially better off than renters, who are disproportionately single and lower-income. Seeing peers achieve traditional life milestones, such as homeownership or parenthood, can fuel a sense of inadequacy. Studies highlight the financial and emotional toll of comparing oneself to “settled” peers.

The Fear They’ll Stay This Way Forever

The most painful thought? That this loneliness and isolation could be permanent. For many single men, there’s a deep-seated fear that things will never change. Studies show that 1 in 4 younger men feel lonely regularly. As dating apps become more draining and friendships dwindle, many begin to internalize the idea that this is their “forever” reality.

That’s a tough narrative to carry. Mental health experts warn about the dangers of this kind of hopelessness.

Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World

20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World

It’s no surprise that cultures worldwide have their own unique customs and traditions, but some of America’s most beloved habits can seem downright strange to outsiders.

Many American traditions may seem odd or even bizarre to people from other countries. Here are twenty of the strangest American traditions that confuse the rest of the world.

20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order

20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order

If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.

Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.