In Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms, leading journalist and advocate for singles Nicola Slawson shares her insights and experience from a decade of single life. Taking an open and honest look at the challenges of singledom, but just as keenly celebrating its joys and opportunities, the book will bring companionship, insight, succour and inspiration to its readers.
Around 40 per cent of UK adults are single at any one time. Far from being a transitional state between relationships, singledom can offer freedom, self-discovery and self-determination. At the same time, there are challenges, from social to economic. How do you handle cancer treatment if you are alone? Who do you call if you're stranded out late at night? If you don't find the right person to have a baby with, should you become a parent alone?
Nicola explores being single in a world designed for couples, and how to make the most of life in the face of stigma and misunderstanding. If you are newly single, long-term single, avowedly single, reluctantly so, considering leaving your current relationship or just wondering what to say to your aunt when she asks if you'll ever get married - this book is for you.
Chapters cover all aspects of single life, from dating apps to navigating friendships when it feels like everyone is coupling up except you, and from parenting after divorce to the rise of incels in society. Along the way, Nicola interviews the key single voices of her generation, as well as the lives of iconic singles of the past. With thorough research, lived experience and wry humour, this book is an essential guide to living a complete life on your own terms.
3.5 I'm single for the first time in like...18 years? (not since my teens), so I was intrigued by this one. The book had/made some great points, but also became repetitive.
Nicola Slawson’s Single may just be the most life-affirming book that I have ever read on the taboo topic of going at life on your own. As an older Millennial who can look around at her peers and see that at least half of them have chosen the single lifestyle, I crave more information and discussion on single living. Or I at least ask society to acknowledge those of us going solo, instead of just positing questions beyond, “Why is the birth rate dropping?” and “Why is home ownership so low among unmarried singles?” Nicola’s insightful and well-researched book on the topic of singledom answers those burning questions and more as she dives into the reasons why more and more people are single and the specific challenges they face.
As someone who spent decades in a relationship, all the while knowing that I was “single at heart,” yet choosing to stay in something that was not healthy or right for me because that’s what society told me I had to do, Nicola’s Single was a breath of fresh air. Because singlehood is rarely talked about in mainstream media, at least not in a positive way, it is very difficult for those of us who are not partnered up to find support and acknowledgement. With Single, Nicola is bridging that gap, giving singles a voice and letting them know that they are seen.
I have read several books on the single way of life, but none have touched on as many varied single-specific topics as Nicola’s. All the while, I was thinking that I was the only one noticing and feeling these things, but come to find out, my personal experience is quite common within the single community. Nicola explores not only why people are single, but also discusses how it impacts them in a variety of ways, including financially, emotionally, physically, and perceptively. She acknowledges the hurdles that society places in front of singles, for one, by making it extremely difficult for them to obtain affordable housing on a single salary or not giving them the benefit of tax breaks or discounts that couples receive. She discusses how the lives of singles are rarely celebrated, in sharp contrast to their married counterparts, who receive adoration and praise simply for having found a life partner. She explores fears that singles face, such as aging alone, and the importance of support systems and community in the lives of those going solo. Each chapter of this book dives into a different area of life and its impacts on singles with the aforementioned topics serving as just the beginning of a well-rounded and thoughtful discussion on the single experience.
Nicola’s research and insight on the topic of singlehood is broad and deep, and I am so happy that she is opening the channels of communication around these issues. We need more single women with a platform to contribute to the discourse and shed light on this lifestyle trend that is becoming more and more common every day. As we march forward into an unknown future, how many more women (and men) will choose the single lifestyle for a variety of reasons and circumstances? Will singles continue to be treated as the black sheep of society, or will the world grow and shape to accommodate this growing, and important, group?
Nicola Slawson (2025) is an English journalist whose work includes the Single Supplement substack. Her 2025 book Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms by is part memoir, part cultural commentary on life without a long-term romantic partner, focused specifically on single women and non-binary individuals.
At 368 pages (and 8 hours the audiobook version I listened to, which was narrated by the author), the book felt much longer than it needed to be. For me, it could easily have been 50% shorter without losing substance. A significant portion of the book focuses on Slawson’s perseverations around her own singleness (her last long-term relationship ended when she was 29), how she is perceived by family, friends and strangers for being single, and her internal debates about pursuing her long-term goal of motherhood as a single person as she approaches the end of her fertile years. She also talks about how society is built around couples and nuclear family units, and how in England it's very difficult financially to live alone, much less own a home, if you're single -- this seems contrary to data I've seen on how prevalent living alone is across Western societies (regardless of whether people living alone are single or not). For instance, in the US, 2022 census bureau data demonstrated 29% of households being occupied by one person, up from 13% in 1960; in the UK that figure is 30%, and this figure approaches 50% in the Nordic countries.
As someone who is (very happily) single myself, I didn’t find much resonance here. I don't spend much time thinking about my single status, and I've never regarded it as a problem to be solved (though I do find myself drawn to books like these hoping to find others who share my perspective, but I'm seldom successful in that aim). The constant fixation Slawson displayed reminded me of what I’d call 'mental chatter' - akin to how, when dieting, thoughts about food can occupy an exhausting amount of mental real estate. For her, relationship status seems to occupy that same kind of mental space.
That being said, the book does add to the growing body of writing about the single experience, though I still haven’t found a work that feels truly comprehensive. None I've previously read (see further reading below) have definitively captured both the diverse lived experiences and my own view that singlehood can be not just acceptable, but preferable.
I liked the message a lot, I liked the stories & what it was saying, like hey you aren't the minority or some freak, about half of the world feels the same as you 🥹
A really great and important book that captures so many different aspects of being single and what it is like in 2025. It summarises so much of what I've been thinking for years and I can't wait for people to read it and realise it's a topic worthy of attention.
When I first started this book, I was a tad bit disappointed so I left it on my shelf for a while to marinate.
Recently, I picked it up again and let's just say, it was what I needed to read. I recommend this book to every single lady out there as it confronts most of the fears, the highs and the lows of being single and living a life that is out of the norm.
. I liked that the author interviewed different people for this book. It was nice to see their perspective on being single in different areas
Bland, repetitive and the ending was just indigestible. For someone like the author who keeps on whining about how it’s good to be single as you are saved from the tantrums of children and mending for their needs, the ending just feels ridiculous.
What on earth is a platonic pregnancy? 😭😭😭😭 Besides, many chapters keep on repeating the same things again and again. At one point, it gets so boring that you can’t make yourself try reading another page of it. 90% of the book is author’s self obsession with herself and remaining 10% how being single is the ultimate solution. Bleh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kinda wished it had more positive, aspirational examples of single lifestyles (although I do understand why a lot of it is about societal biases and marginalization) but the ending was a nice surprise!
Helen Fisher - going through a breakup is like going through withdrawal. Activity in brain regions associated with craving and obsession, pain and anxiety. End of short relationship can be harder because the shine had not worn off - imagining the “might have beens.” Even if you aren’t single by choice, you can still feel fine and happy with life anyway. Some research suggests that single childless women are the happiest group - perhaps it has to do with social connections - single people are more likely to foster social connections that bring them fulfillment and more likely to volunteer and participate in community events (Paul Dolan study). When appropriate methodologies were used, single people were not lonelier or more depressed or stressed than coupled-up people (DePaulo). People who interacted with a diverse “social portfolio” including plenty of weak ties, reported greater life satisfaction and higher levels of wellbeing (Harvard 2022). Build bridges with older generations who may not understand your life choices. Close friendships are becoming the “survival-critical relationships” for many women whose lives are not following the traditional paths. It’s only been in the last century that “Americans have put all their emotional eggs in the basket of coupled love” (Stephanie Coontz in NYT). Gateway Women org for childless women Dedicate time and energy to making new friends. Ask people to coffee. “A Year in the Life of a Single Person” chapter title (holidays etc) People don’t really consider the weight of not only doing all of the house admin but making all the decisions by yourself Safety at home - leaving the bathroom door open, keeping your phone with you, knowing fire escape routes, securing windows etc, Amazon Echo if needed to call for help. Comparing your home to married friends with nice houses - yours is perfectly fine until you start to compare. It’s much much harder to afford to buy or even rent on one income. Nothing is permanent. That could be you one day in the nice house. For now, count your blessings. Practice gratitude for being in a safe and secure home. You’re already so much luckier than so many. If you want your own home one day, put up a picture that represents your vision. Plan things for yourself on your nights in when you’re alone. Watch a movie, cook a new recipe, buy a fancy dessert. Single people carry a lot emotionally. We could get therapists if we can afford them, but that’s not the same as having someone to talk to about your day. It’s common to worry about old age. Some people find it helpful to develop contingency plans, research retirement communities, preparing POA paperwork, talk to nieces and nephews. Some people focus on health and aging well, and contributing to retirement funds. Some people plan to buy a house with friends and age together. Getting married makes you realize that there is a new kind of ease to conversations and you don’t always feel like you have to explain yourself. The arrival fallacy - that you’ll be happier when you attain a certain goal Make new memories with old friends. Don’t just “catch up.” Do things together that are fun for you both now.
There are parts of this book that really resonated, I loved hearing about the author's opinion throughout this book. The story about the bunny and how the author wanted to save it for their own child got me emotional and how love didn't always have to be received from a partner, but from friends who are family. I did feel at times, and the author did agree with a disclaimer at the beginning, that the concept of singledom (being the natural state you are born into until and unless you want to change your own narrative) can brach off into limitless sub topics and it is easy to isolate certain groups/individuals who do not conform to a particular label or opinion and the author has, obviously, chosen to write about themes that they deem important and this book will not be for everyone. Also, it is important to emphasise this is an opinion piece, lightly supported by statistics in parts, otherwise is the author's opinion. As a white woman, and again the author does seem to realise, the book is heavily led from a place of privilege, the dissenting opinion is rarely discussed and if minority view is picked up there is no real weight to it and it really does appear more of a checkbox. The book should not be considered the end of the story or all encompassing for the same reason - a plus is that the author includes other sources, books, podcasts, opinion pieces that can be read to broaden knowledge or aid further discussion of the themes discussed. Usually it is in support of the author's point of view so again wider reading is encouraged. I would credit the conclusion and recommendations drawn by the author at the end of the book - it is important that single people are valued and this be reflected in education in schools and government policies. The fact that we live in a world with paradoxes s that two opposing ideas (or living in the grey) can be accurate at the same time. I took what I wanted from the book and I felt some opinions shared in the beginning may alienate people, the writing got more interesting and stronger as the book went on. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.
This book was really cute! I wanted to rate it higher, but there were certain things that rubbed me the wrong way. Firstly, a lot of repetitive parts. I enjoyed Nicola's writing, but I found she seemed to re-explain a lot of the same concepts in different chapters. Another thing that bothered me was towards the end of the book, I felt that she threw in statistics and chapters/thoughts that were too scattered. For example, I found that her mentions of children and single parenthood were quite repetitive towards the end, as were the statistics she added about the housing crisis. I understand it was her book from her perspective, but as someone who's happily child-free, part of the book felt like a diary I couldn't relate to, instead of what I expected, which was a book highlighting why it's not so bad to be single. Another critique I have regarding the book is although I as a single person understand how frustrating it feels to have friends and family not understand, I felt that Nicola made this complaint multiple times throughout the book, to the point where I started to feel depressed, instead of joyful. Overall, I think it's great to highlight the single experience and I'm glad someone is talking about it, but that's why I couldn't give it 5 stars.
Read more like a biography. She kind of encompassed single as in not married. She had some interesting statistics on how it can be more difficult to support yourself with one income, but most of it was from her perspective and others who felt like being on your own is a burden and lonely and how they had to change their perspective. I think she could have included more positive aspects because not everyone is in a negative space when they are not married. Because of where she was coming from i think it would have been better as a bio, she was diagnosed with depression and ADHD which she discusses in the book, and ended up doing a co-parenting IVF pregnancy thing at the end because she wanted children but was not married and did not have a partner, and I think it would have been great just to have made sure this was her perspective and not representative of everyone or marketed as something for everyone. For those going through similar feelings it would have been good to market it towards them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoy Nicola Slawson's writing style, and have read her blogs/newsletters for a little while now. The topic of being single is one that I find fascinating - as it goes against everything we've heard in society about being 'happy' or 'satisfied' in life. I personally have been single for quite a while now, and so I found a lot of what Slawson had to say very relatable.
The reason I couldn't give this more star's is because I found a lot of this book repetitive. Repetitive in regards to things I have previously read by Nicola Slawson, and just within this book itself.
I really enjoyed reading, and would definitely love to listen to an audio book of this - especially if it is narrated by Slawson herself.
Finished it in a few days. It’s like having the company of an extremely emotionally intelligent friend in the days following a breakup who will also bring a treat (wine/cheese/haribo). Conversational and anecdotal with copious references to helpful resources. Intelligently cross-examines various viewpoints on single issues. Calls in science based research as well as experiential comment from a diverse range of people. Examines non-heteronormative experiences also. It’s so sad that I feel this way but I was alone after my breakup and I’m an only child and this is the closest thing I can imagine to having a sister.
Single by Nicola Slawson discusses life for single women across a wide range of topics. Nicola interviews a range of people, both everyday singles and people with a public profile, on the topic of being single. She advocates for not feeling that being single is a bad thing, or a transitory phase between relationships.
Instead it can be a time to develop your relationship with yourself and enjoy pleasures like solo travel and friendships that might not be possible while in a relationship.
This book would make an ideal gift for the single woman in your life, especially a young person who is figuring out their place in the world or someone who is newly single.
I'm a member of the single supplement group on fb and follow Nicola's newsletter, and as a long term single (well, technically solo poly now, but seeing myself as single still sticks) I was interested to read this book. I like the way she mixes her own story of being single with interviews with other singletons. It feels empowering to read a balanced account of being single, with all it's highs and lows, but especially to read about it like "I may be single for the rest of my life and that's absolutely OK."
I was extremely disappointed in this book. A large portion was spent talking about the author's dating life. She obviously does not want to be single (and admits that others in her life have told her the same) and it felt like she was writing the book for herself to justify that it's okay to be single. A person who sees independence as a temporary state shouldn't be the voice to instruct or advocate for those of us who choose to be single and enjoy being single.
Good! I feel like self help books have been stressing me out these days. The thing that resonated most with me was a quote she included from one of her interviewees that said, “I simply refuse to criticize myself.” I ❤️ that. Her discussion about the economics of being single was educational and I also liked the parts about what coupled up people miss about being single - that made me extra grateful for the freedom I have now!
I’m with the content of this book, but somehow felt a bit flimsy overall. May have been also because I read on my kindle and it means you can tell how long something is. Nothing very new from what I’ve read before but very much agree society needs to get with it re single people. It’s a growing group in society and I definitely agree with the part of the book that points out society’s obsession with couples benefits the patriarchal structure of society vs the feminist.
EVERY PERSON ON EARTH SHOULD READ THIS! it was so eye opening to the societal perceptions of people just existing alone. not even single as in relationship status but literally as one lone human being. governmentally and economically and socially. wow. fantastic read. she touches on how the book mainly focuses on women and nb people and their experiences but encourages you to reevaluate your own perceptions. would and HAVE recommended to others already. single or not!
I wasn’t familiar with Nicola’s writing before picking up this book at the library — it shouted at me from the “New Books” section.
What a refreshing and honest book! I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’re not “Single”. I found myself really wanting to highlight and mark this up with my own thoughts, so I’m off to pick up my own copy.
Good shit right here as a serial relationship hooper. Sometimes it deviated a little too much into other topics I find less interesting but it was overall very mind-expanding as to not only how to live a well-lived life as a single person but how to break free from constraining and ubiquitous narratives around love worth having.
I’m conflicted because I felt SO heard as I read this. Many of the things I think and feel and question were found within these pages and it also inspired me to read books/articles written by other like minded authors. However it definitely did drag on at times, giving “I need to hit my word count” energy. I think this could’ve been even more powerful if it was more concise.
this was THE book i have been looking for. i just wanted SOME media to portray these thoughts and emotions about singlehood and self-partnership. the writing is good, the tone isn't annoying, and the content isn't repetitive. thank you nicola slawson
Such a good book, really eye opening and well researched, personable and warm. It’s about being single, but also about our society and perceptions. Massive recommend.