I sometimes wonder if fewer people would stay in unhappy relationships if society didn’t mock and stigmatise singleness to the extent that it does.

I think we'd have a much healthier world if society made singleness easier, both financially and socially.

We should be building people up into strong, independent individuals, rather than assuming units of two. As it stands, singleness is often the tougher choice.

It would make it easier to leave abusive and unhappy marriages. It would mean people focused on what makes them happy, not just what might make a partner happy. It would mean less unequal compromise to make a relationship work.

It would mean each of us was seen as complete, as enough, as worthy of respect, from the moment we're born – not as half a person, waiting for someone to make us whole.

No more ‘One day you'll find someone who'll make you very happy.’ More focus, instead, on being happy now.

Imagine if teenagers didn't feel pressured into relationships and sex before they're ready. Imagine if adults didn't feel pressured into marriage before they're ready.

How much damage would be avoided, just by making it okay to be single for as long as you want or need?