Two-thirds of single parents say the post-break up “glow up” is real and another 82% feel like their best days are still ahead of them, according to new research.
A poll of 1,000 single moms and 1,000 single dads revealed that many had no clue what awakenings were in-store following the end of their relationship with their child’s other parent.
Two-thirds of single parents reported a post-break up “glow up,” or period of time where their true self comes to light. Key signs of a glow up include being confident in who you are (57%), feeling better about yourself than ever before (52%) or even finally embracing who you are (51%).
Taking things a step further, another 77% experienced a “grow up,” or a time when priorities come into perspective and mindsets shift. These respondents evolved into a more mature version of themselves (57%), left their old self in the past (51%) or let go of old grudges or negative feelings (49%).
In fact, another 70% believe that their relationship with themselves improved when they became a single parent.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Stir, the survey explored how single parents are embracing life and are reinventing what the next chapter holds.
Single Parents Are Attracting More Potential Partners
More than half (54%) find themselves being approached more by other singles or potential dates since becoming a single parent.
Maturity (55%), the ability to show care and attention (54%) and responsibility (54%) are single parents’ top three “instant turn-ons,” and the good news is that those same three attributes are what respondents find most attractive about themselves.
“This research confirms that single parents aren't just adapting – they're elevating,” said Rachel DeAlto, Chief Dating Expert, Stir. “The combination of personal growth and increased self-awareness creates a magnetic attraction.”
These periods of evolution didn’t happen overnight, as the average single parent went through 11 months of self-rediscovery before venturing back out onto the dating scene.
Learning how to adjust to being on their own (42%), taking better care of themselves (39%) and prioritizing their own needs (35%) are just a few of the steps single parents took before they were ready to get back into the world of dating.
Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed even find themselves to be more dateable now than before they were single parents.
Many attribute their post-break up desirability to the fact that they are now more confident (45%), though improved mental (43%) and emotional health (42%) are also top contributing factors.
One-third (33%) of men even believe it’s because they are physically healthier.
Beyond dating, respondents also found that other aspects of their lives have evolved after becoming a single parent.
Beyond Romance: Friendships, Hobbies, and Self-Care Rise
Two in five (41%) spent more time with their family and friends, whereas dads were more likely than moms to focus on fitness (35%) or get back into old hobbies that their child’s other parent didn't like (24%).
Single moms, on the other hand, prioritized self-care (41%) and are trying new things, such as new foods or taking classes (28%).
“We're seeing single parents prioritize themselves in healthy, transformative ways,” said DeAlto. “This isn't selfish – it's strategic self-investment that benefits both parent and child.”
Single Parents’ Are Instantly Turned on by Someone Who…
- Is mature – 55%
- Is able to show care and attention – 54%
- Is responsible – 54%
- Is confident – 51%
- Is patient – 48%
- Is self sufficient – 42%
- Is comfortable with their sexuality – 33%
- Is emotionally vulnerable – 23%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 1,000 single moms and 1,000 single dads; the survey was commissioned by Stir and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 3 and Dec. 13, 2024.
