Sideways
66. One is a Whole
Aug 28, 2024
Bella DePaulo, a social scientist and advocate for singlehood, shares her insights on finding happiness outside of traditional relationships. At 70, she challenges societal norms that equate fulfillment with marriage, emphasizing the joyful and rich experiences of single life. The discussion includes research on the diverse social networks of single individuals and a philosophical parable about porcupines that illustrates the delicate balance between intimacy and independence. This thought-provoking conversation invites listeners to reconsider what it means to live a fulfilling life.
28:20
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Quick takeaways
- Bella DePaulo's journey highlights that being single can be a fulfilling and empowering choice, defying societal pressures for coupled happiness.
- Hannah Tessler's research reveals that many singles find deep emotional fulfillment and support through diverse relationships beyond traditional romantic partnerships.
Deep dives
The Transformative Power of Embracing Singlehood
Bella DePaulo's journey underscores a profound realization: being single can be fulfilling and empowering. Initially, DePaulo felt societal pressures suggesting that singlehood was a temporary state before finding a partner, a notion reinforced by expectations from family and peers. However, through her experiences and reflections, she came to embrace being single as a life choice that brought her freedom and joy. This shift in perspective was transformative, allowing her to assert her identity beyond societal norms and to thrive in her independence.
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