ORLANDO, Fla. – Research shows divorce rates are at a record low in the U.S. It’s all happening as dating, relationship, and marriage statistics also show shifts and record numbers of people report feeling lonely.
Thursday on Breakfast with Bridgett, we talked to licensed mental health counselor Shantala Boss about the complex issues around today’s dating and marriage trends.
She says in-person socializing has not fully bounced back from the pandemic, but people must prioritize connections with others for optimal health and wellness.
Boss says the relationship recession can also be blamed on lower satisfaction and genuine engagement on dating apps and a false sense of reality created by social media.
“When we’re not connecting socially and emotionally, there’s depression and anxiety because we are social creatures. It’s easy to feel like we have a ton of friends. We look on Instagram and Facebook, and all these people are commenting, but that’s kind of a false reality. And I think people get caught up in that and wonder, ‘Why am I so lonely, I’m always talking to people?' But having those in-person, intimate connections, friendships, dating, whatever it might be, is so important for mental health,” Boss said.
She recommends focusing on socializing and finding new friends by going out for activities that interest you, such as volunteering, hobbies or classes.
Hear more of her analysis when you watch the full interview in the video player above.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows 42% of adults were unpartnered, and certain groups of people are more likely to be without a partner. You can read the report on the Pew website.