Why it's OK to be single | Dr. Peter McGraw | TEDxBoulder

Video Description

Are you single and tired of societal pressure to “settle down”? Dr. Peter McGraw, a behavioral economist and lifelong bachelor, invites you to rethink what it means to live a fulfilling life beyond your relationship status. Drawing from his podcast Solo: The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life and his book Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own, McGraw debunks the myth that marriage is the only path to happiness. He highlights how the rise of singlehood—particularly for women—reflects societal progress and empowerment. By redefining "significant other" to include deep friendships and chosen family, McGraw offers a new vision for fulfillment. He advocates for societal changes that support individuals, such as policies recognizing a "family of one," and calls for elevating the status of single living to be on par with marriage. Whether you're single by choice or circumstance, this talk invites you to embrace the Solo movement, where singlehood is celebrated—not just tolerated—and redefine what it means to live a remarkable life of your own. Dr. Peter McGraw is a behavioral economist, business school professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and an expert in judgment, emotion, and choice. He is the author of "Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own" and hosts the popular podcast "Solo—The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life." McGraw also writes for "Single Insights – The Science of Solos" and hosts "The Solo Salon." His research and writings challenge conventional narratives about marriage and fulfillment, advocating for societal and policy changes that support diverse living arrangements. McGraw teaches courses at the Leeds School of Business and has taught at the London Business School and UC San Diego. He has delivered talks at universities and organizations worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Chicago, as well as for companies like PayPal, Xerox, and Google. Through his work, McGraw empowers individuals to embrace their single lives and highlights the importance of good health, financial security, and social connections in achieving personal and societal well-being. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx