A majority of the nation’s single ladies are far from lovelorn and desperately seeking a Mr Darcy figure.
In fact they are perfectly happy with their status and far better at coping with life on their own than men.
Some 61 per cent of single women say they are happy with their relationship status, compared to 49 per cent of single men, according to retail analysts Mintel.
The majority of the nation’s single women aren’t seeking Mr Darcy (played here by Colin Firth on the BBC)
Despite the social pressure to settle down and have children some 70 per cent of singles say they have not actively tried to find a partner in the last 12 months.
And this figure rises to 75 per cent of women, who are prioritising other parts of their lives.
The Mintel research found that 58 per cent of adults describe themselves as being in a relationship with the remaining 42 per cent as single.
Senior Consumer Lifestyles Analyst at Mintel, Jack Duckett, said: ‘It is easy to assume that all singletons are actively looking for a partner; however, our data shows that this is far from always being the case.
‘Much of this reluctance to look for a partner can be attributed to the young increasingly prioritising their education, careers and financial stability over being in relationships.’
However, the Mintel study did find drawbacks in being single in terms of finances and pressure from family and friends to be part of a couple.
For example, just 36 per cent of singles say they feel financially secure, compared to 52 per cent of those who are in a relationship.
Some 38 per cent worry about being alone, with this sentiment rising to 54 per cent among young adults aged 18-24.
In spite of social pressure to form relationships, many women are prioritising other parts of their lives
And in the era of social media, Mintel found that one in three feel under pressure to make their life appear more fulfilled than it is.
The research also highlights that, for many people, being in a relationship remains a symbol of maturity.
Indeed, 54 per cent of singles say they are not where they are expected to be in life at their age, and 25 per cent think their peers are more grown up than they are.
Mr Duckett said: ‘While attitudes towards marriage and relationships may have become more liberal, there remains a societal focus on being partnered up and a sense of obligation to be in a relationship.’
Of singles who have tried to find a partner in the last year, some 68per cent have used digital methods, such as a dating website or app.
Forty per cent have looked to meet someone through friends and 19 per cent have attended events in the hope of finding a partner. Just 6 per cent have speed-dated.