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, 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%

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.

We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:

• Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentive
• Programmatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in

Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.

Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.

Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.

Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:

• Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speeders
• Open ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
• Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots
• Duplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once

It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.