Single people get a lot of shit. If it’s not the constant questioning of whether you’re seeing anyone, they are often assumed to be unhappy, sad, lonely and they don’t get along easily. But as many of you already know, that’s quite exactly not the case.

The new study recently presented at the American Psychological Association’s Annual Convention has also contradicted this disbelief. It is found that singletons are more fulfilled, sociable and self-sufficient as compared to married people.

According to this research, Single people who have never got married lead happy, fulfilled lives. Compared to their married counterparts, single people experience more enriched social lives and enjoys greater personal growth, both points that greatly contradict stereotypes associated with a life of the singleton.

It is also found that they experience more psychological growth and development with a heightened sense of self-determination. They are happier in their jobs, more likely to stay in touch with friends and family, more self-reliant, value meaningful work more and less inclined to negativity.

“The preoccupation with the perils of loneliness can obscure the profound benefits of solitude,” said Bella DePaulo from the University of California, Santa Barbara in the US who conducted the study. The study looked at 814 studies.

While this isn’t to suggest that marriage is bad for social and personal development, it is great to have a more accurate portrayal of single people and single life.