Most single parents report post-break up 'glow up'

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 (https://www.stir.com), the survey explored how single parents are embracing life and are reinventing what the next chapter holds.

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.

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%