Women Who Don't Need A Man To Be Happy Share These 12 Traits

Here’s why some women do so well outside of relationships.

A person with long hair stands in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a bright yellow knitted sweater, and their hands are partially visible in the foreground, reaching towards the camera.

Some women need to be in a relationship in order to feel happy and fulfilled, while others absolutely do not. Those who don’t need a man to be happy often embody the traits listed below.

1. They have a purpose or pursuit that engages them completely.

A confident woman with long gray hair stands against a textured stone wall. She is wearing a brown leather jacket over a black turtleneck and plaid pants, with her arms crossed and a serious expression on her face.

Many women immerse themselves in their romantic relationships when they feel they lack purpose, because a partnership offers them both personal engagement and fulfillment. In contrast, women who are driven towards academic achievement or a noble cause often don’t feel a driving need to have a man in their life.

2. They have a wide range of hobbies and personal interests.

Two women smiling while working together in a lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and greenery. One woman has short gray hair, and the other has long dark hair tied back. They appear focused and happy amidst the colorful blooms and leafy plants.

Women who have a variety of hobbies and interests that they love often prefer them to the demands—and occasional tedium—of a romantic relationship. They can read, sew, write, or garden uninterrupted, without a male partner feeling neglected, insisting on having their attention, or offering them unsolicited, unwanted advice.

3. They have a great career that they love.

A woman with light skin and blue eyes, smiling, with her hair pulled back. She is wearing a silver necklace and a light top. The background is blurred but appears to be outdoors with light and dark areas.

If a woman has an amazing career that she studied hard for and/or put years into building, then chances are that’s the most important thing in her life. For women like this, male partners may be too much of a hassle because they would interfere with their career goals.

4. They have a fairly large social network of close friends and family members.

Four women are sitting at an outdoor table, smiling and talking while holding glasses of rosé wine. The setting appears to be a sunny day in a park or garden, with greenery in the background.

Some women are very community-focused or prefer the company of friends and family members over that of an intimate relationship. There is less stress in platonic groups and little to no pressure to be performative when it comes to affection. They can simply spend a relaxing time with their loved ones.

5. They are happy in their own company.

A woman with straight black hair and bangs, wearing a red floral dress, smiles at the camera. She is seated indoors, with a blurred background of a kitchen and yellow chairs.

Women who are quietly introverted—or otherwise happy with solitude and their own company—generally find partnerships to be more of a detriment to their joy than a catalyst for it. Whereas some people don’t like to be alone as it makes them uncomfortable, these women feel freedom in solitary authenticity.

6. They treasure personal autonomy.

A woman with long hair is leaning on a metal railing outdoors, smiling and looking up. She is wearing a sleeveless gray dress, and there is a green, blurred background suggesting a park or natural setting.

They appreciate the fact that their lives are their own to do with as they please, instead of having to compromise or explain their choices to a partner. Nobody is making them second-guess their appearance, their clothing preferences, or their social calendar, and they can travel as they see fit.

7. They are highly self-sufficient.

A young woman with long, straight hair wearing a brown hat and a white T-shirt is looking down while smiling slightly. The background is blurred but appears to be a shop with shelves lined with jars.

Self-sufficient women don’t “need” a man around because there’s little they can’t do on their own. Whether it’s fixing the plumbing, changing a tire, chopping firewood, or building cabinets, they can sort things out for themselves. They may enjoy having male company on occasion, but they don’t need it to fulfill them.

8. They adopt healthy personal boundaries

A person stands against a dark background with their hands crossed in front, palms facing outward, in a gesture of refusal or defense. They are wearing a sleeveless black top, and their fingernails are painted red. Their face is not visible.

They’re unwilling to sacrifice the comfort and security of their chosen lifestyle and have established strong boundaries to protect themselves. They’re not mean or aloof, but they don’t allow others to disrespect nor use them, perpetually demanding things without offering much in return. If this happens, they’ll walk away.

9. They’re comfortable with no-strings-attached or “friends with benefits” arrangements.

A woman and a man sit at a dimly lit bar, smiling at each other. Each holds a martini garnished with olives. The woman wears a red blouse, and the man wears a black shirt. The ambiance is cozy with blurred background figures and soft lighting.

Women who don’t need a man as a long-term partner to be happy are often fine with getting their intimate needs met with casual dalliances, provided that there’s little to no drama or emotional investment. Some enjoy “friends with benefits” situations, while others prefer one-night stands, or even celibacy.

10. They have a restless nature that tires easily of monotony.

A woman stands confidently with arms outstretched, touching the sides of a narrow, vertical structure. She wears a sporty outfit with a white crop top and high-waisted pants. The image is in black and white, highlighting the contrast and the dramatic, moody atmosphere.

They recognize that having a long-term partner or children will tie them down and give them a Groundhog Day-like existence in which every day is a monotonous repeat of the last—just with more stress. This would wear them down over time while simultaneously draining their energy and their finances.

11. They have an intense desire for peace.

A woman in a peach hoodie looks directly at the camera, framed between two tree trunks. She has short brown hair and a serene expression. Blurred greenery is visible in the background, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.

If you ask the average woman who’s single by choice why she chooses to remain unpartnered, one of the most common responses you’ll get is: “I need peace more than a man’s love.” By remaining single, she doesn’t have to deal with the inevitable frustrations and arguments that come with relationships.

12. They enjoy animal companionship.

A woman with red hair is kneeling on a road in a forest, smiling while a brown dog with white markings on its chest and paws, wearing a harness, gently touches her nose with its nose. The background features trees and a winding road.

The trope of the “unmarried cat lady” is a common one, but an apt one, nonetheless. Many women prefer the easy, loving, and loyal relationships they can cultivate with animals, and choose to surround themselves with cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, or other critters that bring them joy, instead of a man.