How are you coping in life being in your 30s and single? Netizens share their thoughts

Singapore: Crossing into adulthood can feel like reaching a fork in the road—some already have their lives mapped out and tied the knot with their partners in their 20s, while others find themselves questioning their path in their 30s. This can be a daunting time, with the pressure to conform to society's expectations weighing heavily on many.

A curious Reddit user posed the question, "Singles in your thirties, how are you coping in life?" seeking to understand whether there are those who feel lost or if they continue to find joy in their friendships and prioritize other aspects of their life. The response from the Reddit community revealed a diverse range of experiences and emotions.

For some, being single in their 30s brings a sense of contentment and satisfaction. They enjoy their careers, freedom to make choices without compromises, and maintain strong connections with loved ones. One person stated, "Life still goes on, with or without marriage. I’ve learnt that getting married, having kids shouldn’t be the only way to define one’s milestone or an accomplishment – there’re other forms of success as well."

Another individual expressed, "Happily single. Not looking out now as I'm focusing on building my career. I will still meet up with my single friends and travel with them."

However, loneliness is not an uncommon feeling among those who remain unmarried in their 30s. One comment read, "I’m mostly lonely; no one actually checks up on me. I tried to make plans, but nothing ever seems to fall through. And the only person I wanted to spend most of time with is.. well let’s just say not accessible to me, and I don’t like it.

Sure, I can do things by myself, but it’s not what I wanted." Despite the difficulties, another person offered words of encouragement, saying, "Trying to learn adulting but it’s so hard," and added, "You might think that it sounds depressing to others, but as long as you aren’t depressed, life’s gonna be okay! No need to figure out the next chapter, just enjoy it as it goes!"

Ultimately, this discussion highlights that there is no singular path to success or happiness in one's 30s. Each individual's journey is unique, with milestones that may differ from the societal norms. It is crucial to remember that personal milestones are best achieved at one's own pace, and comparison to others should be avoided. The essence of this conversation is that success and happiness are deeply personal, and there's no need to measure one's life against someone else's.