Research shows being single or being in a relationship impacts the way individuals treat those around them.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Waterloo found being single or taken may influence a person’s treatment of friends, family and strangers, even in situations where relationship status shouldn’t matter.
According to the study, people tend to believe their lifestyle is best, so singles who enjoy being single think everyone should be single and couples who enjoy their relationship think everyone should be in a relationship.
“If individuals feel stable with their relationship status, they’re
more likely to think it’s the best way to approach intimacy.”
The first piece of research found if individuals feel stable and secure with their relationship status, they’re more likely to think it’s the best way to approach intimacy.
The second piece of research asked participants to imagine a hypothetical Valentine’s Day date for a fictional person named either Nicole or Nick.
Unsurprisingly, single people thought Nicole/Nick was going to have a great time if Nicole/Nick was single, and partnered individuals thought Nicole/Nick was going to have a great time if Nicole/Nick was in a relationship.
Researchers noted it’s important to remain aware of how these biases impact people’s lives.
“People may be aware of their own tendency to idealize being single or coupled, but they may not realize that this can impact how they respond to others – and how others respond to them.”
Source: PsychologicalScience.org.
