Latest news with #singlelife
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tamzin Outhwaite, 54, says she's loving single life as she shrugs off dating apps after split from toyboy ex
Tamzin Outhwaite says she's 'never been happier' after spending the longest stretch of her life without a man. The former EastEnders star, 54, revealed she's loving single life and has no plans to rush into dating, despite recently joining a dating app, following her split from 34-year-old personal trainer Tom Child. In a refreshingly honest chat, Tamzin admitted she struggles to keep up with the app and isn't thrilled at the thought of getting back into the dating scene. She told The Sun: 'I'm single, I've tried the dating apps. I'm on one now but I keep forgetting to check it. 'I just can't imagine actually going on the date and going back to the small talk. It will happen one day but I'm certainly not waiting for it. I've been single for over a year now and I'm loving it too much.' The TV favourite, who shot to fame as Mel Owen in EastEnders back in 1998, hasn't spent this much time single in her adult life, having gone from long-term relationship to long-term relationship for decades. Tamzin explained: 'I owe it to myself to be single, because I haven't been single for this long, ever. I have always been in relationships. I actually like being on my own, it's really nice.' Her break-up with Tom last year came six years after they first got together. Tamzin later described it as the 'most respectful and mature' break-up she'd ever experienced - a far cry from her painful 2013 divorce from actor Tom Ellis, who she accused of multiple infidelities. Despite her growing popularity on screen, Tamzin says love isn't currently a priority, with life as a mum to daughters Florence, 17, and Marnie, 12, taking up too much of her time. And it's not just parenting that's keeping her busy. Tamzin's acting career is booming with recent roles in ITV's The Tower and Channel 5's The Wives. She even joined Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special last year, though ruled out doing the full series, joking: 'I don't have the patience or the bones at this stage - or muscles.' Tamzin has also taken health into her own hands, revealing that she dropped a dress size before filming The Wives by ditching booze and exercising daily over six weeks. Her break-up with Tom last year came six years after they first got together, which Tamzin later described as the 'most respectful and mature' break-up she'd ever experienced (pictured with ex Tom Ellis in 2012) Now, she keeps fit with outdoor yoga and regular sauna sessions which she says 'without a doubt work'. With a tight-knit group of celeb pals including Amanda Holden, Denise Van Outen and Angela Griffin, Tamzin's got plenty of support as she confirmed that she is in no rush to trade in her independence just yet. Earlier this year the actress showed off her toned figure on Instagram as she worked out on a balcony whilst on holiday in Malta. She uploaded a sped-up video detailing her workout routine in a throwback post from her time in the Mediterranean country. The TV star went through her full routine, stretching her arms, legs and working on her core, as she did some balcony barre. She then braved an ice cold shower after her workout, then showcased her impressive flexibility while stretching and doing some yoga on the deck. The actress later headed to the gym and wowed fans as she performed a perfect headstand before pulling on her cosy white dressing gown for a massage and acupuncture.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
8 money-saving tips for single people
Being single during a cost-of-living crisis can feel like the odds are stacked against you – but you're not alone, and we're here to help. While we can't change the housing market or eliminate the so-called 'single tax' that comes with living solo, gaining a clearer understanding of your spending habits can be a powerful first step towards getting back on track. From bills to socialising to cooking, here are simple ways to cut costs across all areas of life. With a few smart adjustments, you can enjoy the freedom of single life and do the things you love without compromising your financial independence. 1. Be open and honest about your financial situation with loved ones 'Be honest with your friends about where your finances are,' advises Zoe Brett, financial planner at EQ Investors. 'There's all this pressure from social media to be going on a ski season or to that trendy new bar, and if you can't afford it, or if you've just got other goals where your money is better spent, just be honest with your friends about it. 'If they're real friends, they're not going to care if you can't go to that fancy restaurant – they'll find something cheaper to do.' 2. Shop around for the best deals 'Always look for a better deal when bills are coming up for renewal,' recommends Johanna Mason, CEO of Cherry Dating. 'For example, let's say my car insurance is up for renewal, I won't sit there and just accept that offer. I'll go and have a look and see what else is out there to try and reduce the cost. If you go on comparison sites, you can get some massive savings.' 3. Don't splash the cash on a first date 'For first dates, I always suggest a coffee because that takes the pressure off both parties,' says Mason. 'I think it's a good way to break the ice to start with, without the awkwardness of who's picking up the bill.' A simple picnic can also be a thoughtful, budget-friendly date. 'A picnic is not going to cost a fortune and I think it's quite a nice romantic gesture,' says Mason. 'It's not always about the money, it's about the thought that goes into planning that date, because it means they are making an effort. If they're making the effort there, then hopefully they will make the effort in other areas of a relationship as well.' Brett agrees and says: 'I think we get too caught up in the idea that dates need to be a big show of extravagance to show what you can offer, but actually the purpose of a date is to get to know someone and see whether or not you have a good vibe between you.' 4. Put aside money in an emergency fund 'When you are single, there's no second income to pick up the slack if you lose your job or if the boiler breaks,' recognises Brett. 'It's all on your shoulders, so it's important to have a back-up plan like an emergency fund. 'Putting aside money every month into an emergency fund gives you some financial security and I just treat my emergency fund payments like any other bill. Just start small and soon it will add up to something more substantial.' 5. Prioritise getting rid of debt 'A lot of people get into debt when they don't manage the fact that living a single life is far more expensive than life as a couple,' highlights Brett. 'They often try to 'keep up with the Joneses' and end up getting into debt, and that's a surefire way to make yourself absolutely miserable.'If you have got any debt, then prioritise getting rid of that first because debt can cripple someone's financial position. You shouldn't really be saving anything beyond an emergency fund if you've still got debt to pay.' 6. Seek out free or low-cost activities and events in your local area 'Staying connected with your friends is massively important when you're single and doesn't have to cost you the earth,' says Mason. 'If you're into fitness, you could join a local walking or yoga group.'Brett agrees and adds: 'Even just going around to your mate's house with a bottle of wine is great fun. Fun doesn't have to be expensive.' 7. Batch cook meals instead of relying on takeaways 'It's too easy to rely on takeaways when you're cooking for one person, because cooking can seem like a lot of effort for one person. But that's a really slippery slope, so try to avoid falling into that trap,' advises Brett. 'It's good to cook your own meals from scratch and it doesn't have to be anything extravagant. I'm a big fan of batch cooking and freezing meals.' 8. Offer to drive 'If I've not got a huge amount in my bank account, I'll always opt for driving,' says Mason. 'Driving means I can still go out and see my friends and have a really good time, but I don't need to pay for expensive drinks at the bar. Instead, I will opt for soda water and fresh lime and that doesn't cost much – some bars don't even charge you for it.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kendra Wilkinson, 40, reveals she's 'no longer interested in men' after heartbreak from Hugh Hefner and Hank Baskett
Kendra Wilkinson used to date one of the most famous men in the world: Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. And then the pinup model wed football star Hank Baskett, 42, whom she divorced in 2018 after nine years of marriage. But these days the 40-year-old Girls Next Door veteran has sworn off men, and it's for a relatable reason. Instead of getting involved in a romance, she wants to make as much money as she can in her new career as a real estate agent in Los Angeles. Kendra made the comments in a new Instagram post: 'I appreciate all the love and support,' began her message on Insta Stories. 'I don't have interest in men at the moment. Just work. Thank you for supporting my business,' added the Kendra On Top. But these days the 40-year-old Girls Next Door veteran has sworn off men, and it's for a relatable reason. 'I don't have interest in men at the moment. Just work. Thank you for supporting my business,' added the Kendra On Top Wilkinson was in a tank top and slacks with a clover necklace as she stood on a yacht. 'Been having a lot of fun lately,' she added. 'Love being a mom. Love being single. Love aging. Love real estate. Love my body the way it is. Zero f**** given.' The cover girl also wrote over another photo, 'Reach out if you're looking into selling or buying.' Then there was this cheerful entry: 'I hope you guys are having a great summer!' And she finished with: 'You can support me by referring me to friends who are looking into moving. Thank you.' She has two children with Hank: Hank Jr, 15, and Alijah, 11. Kendra has frequently reflected on moving into the Playboy Mansion at the tender age of 18. In 2004, the star moved from San Diego to Los Angeles to become one of Hugh Hefner's three live-in girlfriends alongside Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt. And during a chat with Fox News Digital, the blonde revealed the one regret she has about her four years in the sprawling abode. She told the outlet: 'The only thing I can say I regret in my life is not starting my real estate career while I was living at the Playboy Mansion.' The former lingerie model explained: 'I was surrounded by everyone - every celebrity, every billionaire, and what was I thinking? But I'm now in real estate, so I'm good.' Kendra made the comments in a new Instagram post: 'I appreciate all the love and support,' began her message on Insta Stories Then there was this cheerful entry: 'I hope you guys are having a great summer!' And she finished with: 'You can support me by referring me to friends who are looking into moving. Thank you' Kendra rose to fame on the E! unscripted series The Girls Next Door, which followed her life as one of Hefner's girlfriends. The show lasted for six seasons between 2005 and 2010, and she lived at the famous estate from 2004 to 2009. She began her real estate career when she got her license in 2020 and joined fellow reality star realtor Mauricio Umansky's The Agency. A docuseries dubbed Kendra Sells Hollywood on Discovery+ showcased her struggles as a new agent in the bustling industry. It lasted for two seasons from 2021 to 2023. The star told People last November that she was 'off mentally' while filming the show. She shared at the time: 'I feel a little regret filming my last show because I wasn't really ready. 'I was a little off mentally, and I wasn't prepared to be on a camera just yet. I wasn't fully healed or there yet. Now I feel there.' In March, Kendra spoke with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes on their self-titled podcast, and she referred to her time being married as the 'happiest days of my entire life.' She emphasized: 'And so when those days came to an end, I crumbled so hard, and it almost killed me. It almost killed me,' Kendra elaborated: 'I left the Playboy Mansion at age 23, got pregnant, got married at the age of 23, then started my life as a wife and a mother, and it was the golden years of my life.' Looking back at her choice to settle down with Hank, she affirmed: 'It was the right timing. I found myself so bored at the Playboy Mansion. 'I was just like, "I'm ready to leave this place. I'm ready to start a family. I'm ready for the lifestyle: My kids go to a great school. I'm a soccer mom. I'm a softball mom. I'm a basketball mom."' She added: 'I manifested it, and it came to me, and I met the perfect man, the man of my dreams.' The mom-of-two heaped praise on her ex, noting, 'Even though we're divorced, he's the father of my kids, and he's the most amazing father to my kids, and I know I chose right with him.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Women Who Live Alone Are Sharing The Home Safety Tips That Help Them Sleep Easier At Night, And I'm Absolutely Taking Notes
Bella DePaulo, a 71-year-old author and social psychologist, has lived alone her entire adult life. Related: As the author of books like Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life, she's become a bit of an evangelist for solo living. When she hears other women at book talks or at parties discuss how fulfilling it is to live alone, she doesn't need to be convinced. 'I love the complete freedom to sleep when I want and get up when I want, to eat what I want and when I want, and to find that whatever I put in the refrigerator the night before is still there the next day,' she told HuffPost. 'My place is always exactly as warm or as cool as I want it to be. And the toilet seat is always down,' she joked. The hand reaching for the thermostat. Concept of smart home. The number of women living alone has grown in DePaulo's time. In 2022, 15.7% of all households in the United States consisted of a woman living alone, compared to 11.5% in 1970. She loves it, but she gets it's not for everyone. There are certainly financial constraints ― in 2025, it's not uncommon for people well beyond their 20s or college years to live with roommates because of housing costs, especially in cities. But other women shy away from living alone out of concern for their safety — understandably so. Everyday activities that men often take for granted ― going on a walk in the evening, even in a busy public place, opening your door after a late night out ― can be depressingly dangerous for women. Related: That said, DePaulo and other women who've lived alone say there are ways to heighten your safety at home. 'Don't let fear ruin what can be a deeply fulfilling experience,' she said. 'I've been in different neighborhoods in Virginia, Florida, and now in California, and it's rare for me to feel remotely unsafe. A home of your own can be comfortable, peaceful, and safe, maybe even sacred.' We recently asked women who live alone to share their best security tips, from their own lived experiences. See what they had to say below. Introduce yourself and trade phone numbers with your neighbors. 'The biggest tip I can suggest is to get to know your neighbors. Getting to know mine has made me feel so safe. Not only have they become great friends, but they are also extra security when I'm not home. They're always looking out for me, and I do the same for them. It's really taught me how important community is when living alone.' ― Celeste Polanco, a lifestyle influencer Related: Be mindful of what you (and even friends who visit) share online. 'As someone who shares moments of my life publicly, I've learned that boundaries around what ― and when ― I share are non-negotiable. I don't share the local things in my neighborhood or any landmarks. I'm very mindful about sharing the view from my windows or anyone that may work in or around my building. These rules are shared with my friends and family when they visit as well. The outside and inside of my buildings are off-limits. And I ask them to be mindful of geo-tagging because you never know who is watching.' ― Denise Francis, the founder and CEO of The Self Love Organization INC, a digital wellness platform for Black women Related: Install a security camera by your door. 'Having a security camera like a Ring gives me so much peace of mind. I can see who's at my door, and even check in when I'm not home. It's a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in feeling safe and aware.' ― Emily Sanchez, the owner of the online plant shop Classy Casita Get a pet, if you can. 'Nothing is better than coming home to something cute that's happy you're home and relies on you.' ― Maia Milas, a writer and photographer Take self-defense classes. 'Even if you only sit in on a few sessions, know the basics of defending yourself physically and practice the moves to develop muscle memory. In a panic, you hopefully can resort to what you've learned, which only comes with practice.' ― Milas Have a few small habits that make you feel secure. 'For me, that's double-checking locks on my doors and windows before bed and maybe keeping something for self-defense by the door. It's not about being scared to live alone, it's about feeling in control of your space and having peace of mind.' ― Sanchez Have an emergency contact. 'Make sure you have an emergency contact. A reliable one. Someone who is likely to answer the phone when you call or come to the door when you knock. I had a neighbor who I called once to come over and make sure I didn't fall asleep after I got a concussion. Some things you just can't do alone, and require immediate assistance.' ― Milas This article originally appeared in HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
I'm the only single one in my friend group and I feel completely neglected
Dear Roe, Having been largely single has meant a lot of time on my own as friends got married and had families. Over the last decade, it has been a real struggle to have my needs attended to in friendships as I am always trumped by family commitments. Even getting texts back could take days, much less getting to do an activity with them that hasn't involved child minding. Some couples are now beginning to separate and expect me to just be available. In one case, I got a heartfelt message about meeting up more, only for them to reveal months later that they had decided to separate from their partner at that time, which made it feel far less genuine thereafter. Also included in this are difficulties where they have presented a very different public front from what they now say was going on at home – it's not that it's not believable, but it is surprising, as they played the other role well and it's taking me time to adjust to that rather than what was previously presented. They aren't happy that wasn't fully accepted right away . What is the best way to navigate this? What you've been going through is common and painful. Being the single, unmarried, and/or childfree person in a friend group where that's unusual can be deeply isolating. Priorities shift, availability dwindles, and emotional energy becomes scarce. As you've experienced, there's often an unspoken assumption that your time and energy are limitless, that you can be cancelled on or called upon at will. Many people have stood where you are now, feeling sidelined, deprioritised, and taken for granted. That pain and disappointment are entirely valid. When you've shown up consistently for years, only to have messages ignored, to feel reduced to a babysitter, or left out of significant life updates, it hurts. Friendships that once felt balanced and dependable may now feel one-sided and unrewarding. It's no wonder you've felt disoriented. READ MORE However, here's the hard truth: you may be deepening your hurt by clinging to the idea that things should stay the same. Time passes. People grow and change. Relationships evolve. Nothing stays static, and your unwillingness to accept this and adapt is leading to resentment toward people who likely still care for you, just differently. You can either embrace the transformation in your friendships or risk losing them entirely. Your friends' shifting roles, messy transitions, and new priorities may frustrate or upset you, but the truth is that their lives have undergone large, seismic shifts. You're so invested in how you are being affected by these changes that you're forgetting that your friends, like you, are just people living life for the first time, trying to figure it out, and stumbling along the way. What you're perceiving as neglect is likely just your friends simply being overwhelmed, flawed, or consumed by their own changing needs. .form-group {width:100% !important;} You express a sense of betrayal that some of your friends kept serious life events from you while presenting a curated version of their lives, but again, here you're overly invested in how this affects you to recognise their humanity. Maybe their less consistent communication and requests for childcare were the signs they were struggling. Maybe their silence about their relationship issues is the sign that it was too serious and potentially life-upending to speak about casually. Maybe they were just trying to survive and figure it all out in their own way, and don't need judgment about how they went about it. I want you to think about what you're showing them about the kind of friend you are. They're now offering you honesty, vulnerability, and asking for support – and instead of responding with emotional support and embracing this chance to connect with them authentically, you're offering themjt, anger and resentment that they didn't tell you sooner. No single relationship will meet all your emotional needs, nor should it. Friendship, especially in adulthood, is often a web, not a lifeline. If you're feeling isolated, the answer is to expand the web, not tear it apart strand by strand I understand you're catching up emotionally, and that sometimes emotionally adjusting to the big shifts in the lives of those we love takes time. But don't let your discomfort with change become a wall against the humanity of others. Let go of the idea that your friends owe you the people they used to be. They don't. Just as you've changed, so have they. They owe you honesty now, not continuity with the past. Let them be who they are now. That doesn't mean you have to agree with all their choices, or absorb their emotional upheaval, or be their lifeline through crises they didn't invite you into earlier. You can witness without taking on, and you can care without being consumed. But don't let your unrealistic expectation that old friendships will never change close you off to the friendships being offered to you now. Maybe with less time, with more talk about toddlers' developmental milestones, some without the presence of a now ex-partner, but still friendship. This is a good time to take stock of what you need in your life and friendships, and start acting in accordance with those needs. You need to take responsibility for tending to your own needs, instead of neglecting yourself and getting angry at others when you start crumbling. Start by re-centring your energy. If you're giving far more than you receive in a relationship, it's time to take a step back. A connection that no longer nourishes you may not be broken – just different. You can speak your needs, or adjust your expectations, or even let the relationship fade. Sometimes, telling someone you feel a bit neglected and need some quality time with them is all that's needed, and they'll embrace the chance to readjust. Sometimes they won't be able to meet you, and you can let the relationship drift. But ending things entirely is rarely the only – or wisest – option. Our culture often confuses setting boundaries with cutting people off. But the solution to feeling lonely or under-supported is not to enforce more isolation by cutting people off. It's to accept the reality of what someone can give you now and then, crucially, to make space for more people in your life rather than fewer. No single relationship will meet all your emotional needs, nor should it. Friendship, especially in adulthood, is often a web, not a lifeline. If you're feeling isolated, the answer is to expand the web, not tear it apart strand by strand because each thread isn't strong enough to carry the whole weight of your heart. Get out there. Build friendships with people whose lives look more like yours – other single or childfree folk who can offer the spontaneity, attention, and shared experience you're missing. That will help ease your longing and make it easier to see your older friends for who they are now, not who they were. And use this time to build a better relationship with yourself. Accept that people evolve. Speak your needs before they curdle into bitterness. Learn to say no, to guard your peace, and to focus on your own life. Ask what you need now, instead of ruminating on what someone should've given you last year. It's not wrong to want more. But wanting more starts by giving more to yourself, not by waiting for others to finally notice what you've been quietly starving for. Let this be the beginning of something new. Not just for your friendships, but for yourself.
