What Is Solo-maxxing?
Have you heard about the latest trend called Solo-maxxing?
If not, don’t worry. It’s a relatively new term coined by Gen Z, generally those in their teens and twenties.
Solo-maxxing describes a lifestyle in which people intentionally choose to remain single rather than spend their time, energy, and money pursuing romantic relationships. Instead, they focus on personal growth, financial independence, mental well-being, and creating a life they genuinely enjoy.
For many, it’s also a reaction to the frustrations of modern dating, endless swiping, ghosting, and disappointing first dates. Rather than chasing a relationship, they’re investing in themselves through travel, hobbies, goals, friendships, fitness, and new experiences.
Baby Boomers May Be Doing the Same Thing
As I read about this trend, I realized I’ve been doing solo-maxxing just like Gen Z.
After years of relationships, marriage, divorce, or loss, many of us have grown tired of the emotional ups and downs of dating. We’ve experienced rejection, disappointing relationships, and yes, frequent ghosting, which certainly isn’t limited to younger generations. I thought we were more mature than that!
Instead of waiting for someone else to complete our lives, we’re learning to enjoy the freedom of creating a fulfilling life on our own terms.
Singlehood is no longer something to “get through” until the next relationship comes along. For many of us, it’s become a choice, and a rewarding one.
Solo-maxxing Creates Space for a Richer Life
One of the greatest gifts of living happily on your own is the freedom it creates. Without the constant emotional energy that dating often requires, you have more time to invest in the parts of your life that truly matter.
Deepening Friendships
Strong friendships become even more meaningful when you have the time to nurture them. I call my friends in Europe and the U.S. regularly and keep in touch.
Financial Freedom
Money that once went toward expensive dates or trying to impress someone can instead fund experiences that enrich your life. In my case, I love cruising with PONANT and take advantage of their small ships and “no single supplement” for solo travelers.
Travel and Adventure
Whether it’s exploring your own town or snorkeling over coral reefs halfway around the world, solo adventures often become our greatest teachers.
Health and Well-Being
Exercise, healthy eating, swimming, hiking, or simply taking care of yourself become priorities because you’re doing them for you, not for anyone else’s approval.
Pursuing Your Passions
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a book, learn a language, volunteer, paint, or start a new business. Living solo gives you the time and freedom to pursue the dreams you’ve been putting off.
Becoming Your Own Best Friend
When I first found myself alone after my divorce, I never imagined I would one day treasure my independence. Yet that’s exactly what happened.
My years in the Peace Corps, my solo travels around the world, writing my memoir, leading African safaris, and simply learning to enjoy my own company have taught me something I wish I’d known much earlier.
What Gen Z calls “Solo-maxxing,” I call becoming my own best friend.
I hope you stay tuned as I begin sharing excerpts from my memoir about how serving in the Peace Corps in Lesotho helped me discover the greatest relationship of all, the one I built with myself.
And I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Have you learned to enjoy your own company? Are you at peace?
