Abstract:
This qualitative research intended to realize societal views of being single by looking at
people's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Eight participants four men and four women were
intentionally chosen. By Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and for the analysis NVIVO
software is applied, the three themes emerged as Social and cultural Pressure, Emotional and
Psychological Struggles, and Individual and Relationship Dynamics. The results indicated that
pressure from society reached its peak in the early to mid-30s, where men were subject to
financial pressures and women had emotional pressures due to parental influence. Women also
reported greater emotional distress and issues of trust, whereas men talked about career and
financial issues. Men spoke about sexual desires more freely, while women spoke about relational
trust. With increasing age, both men and women moved from societal pressures to self-acceptance
and independence. The research helped to know the ways in which societal norms influenced the
emotional and relational lives of single individuals, providing insights to promote inclusivity and
inform supportive policies and services.
