Self-love is in the air. More and more Brazilians are choosing to stay single. This is revealed by a groundbreaking survey by Hibou, an institute specialized in consumer monitoring and insights, conducted with 1,502 people in February 2025. In 2022, 60% of Brazilians were in a relationship and 40% were single. But now the scenario has changed: 52% of Brazilians are alone and 48% are partnered.
Single by choice: freedom and self-awareness on the rise
The rise in singleness does not mean people have given up on love, but rather that they are more selective. Among singles (52%), 34% say they prefer to be alone rather than be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t meet their expectations. Additionally, 27% say they are in a relationship with themselves, investing more time in their own well-being and self-awareness.
Even so, not all singles are closed off to love. 18% say they are searching but haven’t found anyone yet. 11% of respondents are actively looking for someone online, while 37% have tried dating apps at least once in their lives. However, insecurity about the digital environment still weighs heavily: 75% of dating app users fear falling for scams when interacting online.
Marriage: a failed institution?
If a few decades ago marriage was considered a life goal, today it no longer holds the same importance for a large part of the population. 10% of singles believe marriage is a failed institution, showing that, despite the desire for connection, the traditional format of relationships is being reconsidered. 60% see marriage as simply the union of two people, without the need for formalities to be considered married.
Those in relationships also don’t give it the same importance. 64% of committed Brazilians (48%) see it the same way—that there’s no need for formalities.
“Relationships have changed. People no longer want to be with someone just because of social convention, but because they truly desire a balanced and fulfilling partnership. Today, there’s more courage to leave unhealthy relationships and more awareness of what to expect from a partner.“, analyzes Lígia Mello, CSO of Hibou.
Hold on, not everyone is single
Singles are in the majority lately—that’s a fact. However, nearly half of Brazilians are still in a relationship. And do they miss the experiences of being single? 34% of those in relationships said that even when things are going well, they miss having quiet time alone. Meanwhile, 23% miss having the house their way. 12% feel the desire to go out alone to eat or drink something. And the majority (38%) were categorical: they don’t miss anything..
The moment of confrontation
Every couple faces many challenges in their relationship. How do they handle each argument? Among Brazilians in relationships, 48% seek healthy dialogue, 28% prefer to stay quiet, and another 26% take a deep breath and argue firmly. 12% don’t want to fight and walk away, leaving the other person talking alone. And a passionate minority (8%) say they make a scene!
What builds versus destroys a relationship
For most partnered individuals (68%), respect is the main pillar of a lasting relationship, followed by companionship (51%) and love/passion (45%).
While some factors are essential for building a relationship, others are fatal to its downfall. 92% of committed people said disrespect destroys a relationship, followed by distrust (60%), humiliation (54%), and emotional coldness (28%).
Infidelity remains a turning point
52% of partnered individuals and 48% of singles pointed to infidelity as one of the main reasons for a breakup.
Are open relationships still taboo?
With changes in behavior and greater acceptance of diversity in relationships, many believe open relationships are gaining ground. But the survey shows that, in practice, this is still not a reality for most. 56% of couples and 58% of singles completely reject the idea of an open relationship, while 14% of couples and 15% of singles say they would accept this dynamic, provided there was consensus.
When it comes to sex before marriage, the taboo has decreased each year: 66% of partnered individuals and 68% of singles believe it’s normal and shouldn’t be a deciding factor in a relationship.
“Relationships are more fluid and less tied to labels, but that doesn’t mean love has lost its value. What’s changed is how people choose to love. The desire for connection still exists, but now it comes with more awareness, more expectations, and, above all, more freedom to decide what truly makes sense for each individual,” concludes Lígia Mello.
