SINGLES NOT SO FROWNED UPON

Edition 526

Once upon a time, and not so long ago, to be called "solterona" (spinster) was the worst thing that could be said about a Spanish woman. Cast out by married society, they spent their days at the local church, dressing the saints and keeping everything clean - but not any longer. A rise in the number of divorcees is partly to blame, but according to the National Statistics Institute, many women are opting to stay single from the start. They enjoy a higher income than their married counterparts and travel nearly 40% more. Having no economic responsibilities, they spend on average 500 euros a month with their credit cards without batting an eyelid. As one single woman said: "Being single is synonymous with freedom." Another said: "I can cuddle my cats without unwelcome comments from a partner." The statistics also show that more women opt to live separately from their partners - known as having your cake and eating it.