More than half of Brazilians are single, survey reveals

Self-love is in the air. More and more Brazilians are choosing singlehood. This is revealed by a groundbreaking survey from Hibou, an institute specializing in consumption monitoring and insights, conducted with 1502 people in February 2025. In 2022, 60% of Brazilians were in a relationship and 40% were single. But now the picture has changed: 52% of Brazilians are single and 48% are in a relationship.

Single by Choice: Freedom and Self-Discovery on the Rise

The rise in singlehood doesn't mean people have given up on love, but rather that they are more selective. Among singles (52%), 34% say they'd rather be alone than be in a relationship with someone who doesn't meet their expectations.In addition, 27% say they are living a relationship with themselves.Investing more time in one's own well-being and self-knowledge. 

However, not all single people are closed to love. 18% say they are actively searching, but haven't found anyone yet. 11% of the interviewees are actively searching for someone online., while 37% users have attempted dating apps at least once in their lives.However, insecurity regarding the digital environment still weighs heavily. 75% of dating app users are afraid of falling victim to scams when interacting online.

Marriage: A Failed Institution?

While a few decades ago marriage was considered a life goal, today it doesn't hold the same importance for a large portion of the population. 101 single people believe marriage is a failed institution.highlighting that, despite the desire for connection, the traditional format of relationships is being re-evaluated. 60% view marriage as solely the union of two people, without the need for any formalities to be considered a marriage. 

Those who are accompanied also don't place the same importance on formality, even in relationships. 64% of committed Brazilians (48%) view it the same way - there's no need for formality.

“Relationships have changed. People no longer want to be with someone simply out of social convention; they now desire a balanced and fulfilling partnership. Today, there's more courage to leave relationships that aren't beneficial and a greater awareness of what one expects from a partner." , says Lígia Mello, CSO of Hibou.

Not everyone is single.

Singles are more prevalent lately, that's a fact. However, almost half of Brazilians are still in a relationship. And do they miss the experiences of being single? 34% of those committed said that even when things are good in the relationship, they still miss having some quiet time alone.23% already miss their home in their own way. 12% feels a desire to go out alone to eat or drink something.. And the majority (38%) were categorical: they miss nothing.. 

The moment of the DR 

Every couple faces many challenges in their relationship. And how to deal with each argument? Of Brazilians in relationships, 48% seek healthy dialogue, while 28% prefer to remain silent. Another 26% take a deep breath and argue forcefully. 12% don't want any fights and walk away, leaving the other person talking alone. And a fervent minority (8%) claim they create a scene!

What builds versus destroys a relationship

For most participants, (68%) respect is the primary pillar of a lasting relationship, followed by complicity (51%) and love/passion (45%).

While some factors are essential for building a relationship, others are fatal to its ruin. Of the people who are committed, 92% said disrespect destroys a relationship, followed by mistrust (60%), humiliation (54%), and emotional coldness (28%).

Betrayal continues to be a dividing line.

52% of those accompanied and 48% of those single cited infidelity as one of the main reasons for a breakup.

Is open relationship still taboo?

With changing behaviors and greater acceptance of diversity in relationships, many believe open relationships are gaining traction. But research shows this isn't yet a reality for most. 56% couples and 58% singles completely reject the idea of an open relationship., while 14% of couples and 15% of single people stated they would accept this dynamic, provided there was consensus.

When it comes to sex before marriage, the taboo has decreased each year. 66% of those accompanied and 68% of those single believe that it is normal and should not be a deciding factor in a relationship.

Relationships are more fluid and less bound by labels, but that doesn't mean love has lost value. What has changed is how people choose to love. The desire for connection still exists, but now it comes with more awareness, higher expectations, and, most importantly, more freedom to decide what truly makes sense for each individual," concludes Lígia Mello.