Afraid of Being Alone? Why we Justify the Wrong Relationship

Being alone can be difficult. Sure, friends and family help out, but most of us are always craving that "special someone." Unfortunately, for some, that means putting up with just about anything to get anyone for fear of being alone.

According to researchers from the University of Toronto, they claim that for a lot of partners, fear of being single will cause both men and women to lower their standards in what they're looking for.

"In our results we see men and women having similar concerns about being single, which lead to similar coping behaviors, contradicting the idea that only women struggle with a fear of being single," co-author of the study Geoff MacDonald, Professor at the university said, via a press release. "Loneliness is a painful experience for both men and women, so it's not surprising that the fear of being single seems to not discriminate on the basis of gender."

The researchers examined 126 women and 27 men using online forums such as Craigslist.org. The participants were then given an opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate once they completed the survey.

Approximately 38.8 percent of participants reported absolutely "no fear of living alone," according to Medical Daily. However, 18.4 percent feared they would end up a doomed spinster and die alone. Another 6.6. percent feared that presently being single would mean they would have less chances to have partner later in life.

"Those with stronger fears about being single are willing to settle for less in their relationships," lead study author Stephanie Spielman, postdoctoral researcher in the university's psychology department concluded, via a press release. "Now we understand that people's anxieties about being single seem to play a key role in these types of unhealthy relationship behaviors."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.