Love can interfere with personal growth! “Solomaxxing” is on the rise—Gen Z: build a fulfilling life according to your own wishes

“Loving comes first” also seems to be one of the labels young people carry, but as the “Solomaxxing” trend spreads among this group, the label no longer fits Gen Z. Compared with the sweet life of two people, young people prefer being alone more and care about self-development.

“Solomaxxing” is a popular term among Gen Z. It refers to pursuing being single above all, advocating maximizing the advantages of solitude, shifting one’s energy and time away from maintaining romantic relationships, and redirecting it toward self-investment, personal growth, and pursuing ultimate freedom.

Nearly half think being single is calmer and more conducive to self-development

A survey by research firm MyIQ shows that more and more young people no longer date or build long-term relationships; instead, they choose independence, self-development, and emotional stability. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, 48% said being single is “calmer than” dating, while 42% said romantic relationships often interfere with personal goals, financial stability, or self-development.

Dating costs affect willingness to date

One possible major reason for the mindset shift driving the rise of “Solomaxxing” may be economic cost. A survey by Barclays Bank shows that adults spend more than 111 pounds ($~1,166 HKD) per month on dating and dating apps. Of these, 52% of Gen Z adults said the costs affect their ability to date.

Another survey by the Bank of Montreal (BMO) shows that in 2026, average “all-in” dating spending (including grooming and fuel costs before the date) will be $189 (about $1,482 HKD), up 12.5% from $168 in 2025.

Although the spending above is not a huge amount, young people today generally have to cover more miscellaneous expenses, such as meals, transportation, household bills, rent, and occasional entertainment costs. Coupled with the fact that salary growth is not keeping up with inflation, adding yet another dating expense will definitely create a burden and affect their willingness to date.

Gen Z starts solomaxxing to build a fulfilling life on their own terms

WIRED cites 28-year-old Carmen Hyden as saying that after ending a relationship lasting two years, she began solomaxxing. During the three years after the breakup, she stopped dating and instead poured herself into self-improvement. For example, solo travel, reading more books, surfing, rock climbing, and so on.

These three years made Carmen feel unbelievably free. She said, “It changed the way I view being single. Being single is no longer a problem that needs to be solved or escaped.” Although dating brings costs, she believes they have nothing to do with the rise of solomaxxing.

Solitude isn’t about being unable to handle others; it’s about building a fulfilling life according to her own preferences.

Carmen said that being alone means no one will bother you, and no one will disrupt your rhythm. For her, being alone isn’t about avoiding people; it’s about tapping into her potential through new hobbies, rituals, and self-exploration—and she’s also happy to spend money on it.

At the same time, Carmen emphasized:

Romantic relationships do require time and effort. If you don’t pay attention, they may get in the way of doing certain things. Solomaxxing was never about completely giving up romantic relationships; it’s about refusing to compromise.

Experts: Dating affects young people’s self-esteem 《Moneywise》 cites consumer finance expert Erica Sandberg as saying that because dating costs are too high, young people need to choose dating partners more carefully. She added that economic uncertainty and a harsh job market also influence how young people treat romantic relationships.

If your disposable income isn’t as much as you expect—or isn’t as plentiful as you think other people have—this will negatively affect your self-esteem.

She added that while many can overcome financial difficulties in a stable relationship, when facing economic pressure, many people hesitate about whether to start a new relationship.

Related articles:

The premise of love is financial stability: A survey reveals 5 “landmines” in dating—only by avoiding them can you have the next time

Nearly 2 million unmarried men and women in Hong Kong: Young people’s “no marriage, no childbirth” boosts “solo economics”—the catering and tourism industries respond by seeking change

Young people pursue “poverty with a straight face” even more! Mindset changes: “It’s outdated to make others think I’m rich”