Im collecting affirming content for single woman. Looking for shows, movies, podcasts, books, theater, music, etc where being a single woman (of a certain age) is celebrated. I just saw “Woman on the Edge” by Elf Lyons at the SoHo Playhouse and I need a whole curriculum now.

Question

Ashley · Answer

Sharon Horgan TV and Film: Her new show Youth debuts tomorrow so no better time to recommend any and everything with and by Sharon Horgan. The Gentlewoman magazine says "Hands down the funniest writer-director-actor-producer-showrunner around" and I couldn't agree more. Catastrophe, This Way Up and Bad Sisters are must-watches.

Lizzie · Answer

Wish I Was a Single Girl Again: This song was first recorded in 1925. 100 years of longing for the single life.

Sophie B · Answer

The Odd Woman and the City by Vivian Gornick: I love this highly specific, gem of a memoir by Vivian Gornick. Flaneur writing at its best as she walks through New York City and reflects on themes including solitude, aging, friendship, and feminism.

Brigid · Answer

Normal Women (Philippa Gregory): this book about the history of women in England somehow explains an astonishing amount about being a woman today

Brigid · Answer

the friend by sigrid nunez: It’s my favorite book

Dylan · Answer

Everything I Know About Love: the audiobook is narrated by Dolly herself <3

it's also a tv show that's fantastic & hilarious

Dylan · Answer

GLOW (2017): gorgeous ladies of wrestling!!!!! haven't watched this since it first came out so i think it's time i give it another play

Dylan · Answer

Insecure (2016): A decade since it first aired, I'm halfway through rewatching this HBO comedy-drama series from creator, writer & star, Issa Rae (a literal genius imho).

It's still such a painfully raw, thought-provoking and hysterically unhinged reflection on life as a 20-something black woman in LA. Honest & hilarious.

Dylan · Answer

Nicole Kidman after signing divorce papers: the most perfect images to ever exist. I think these need to be recreated after every breakup

Dylan · Answer

grace and frankie

Dylan · Answer

Having the entire bed to yourself: no warm breath in my face

no snoring or sleep talking or farts waking me in the middle of the night

freedom to wriggle and squirm and stretch as i please

perfect ratio of bedding touching my body at all times

nobody turning on the light before i'm ready to rise

zero possibility of falling asleep in someone's arms and waking up unable to move your neck

it is the superior sleep time experience

Dylan · Answer

Enjoy being single!: To be single is to be inconvenient. Uncontainable. Disruptive. Subversive. Extremely sexy and also very modest. I don't make the rules; that's just science bitch.

But seriously, it’s being self-reliant — and honestly, fucking brave — in a culture that tells you you’re incomplete without a plus-one.

In the words of ancient philosopher Jason Derulo, who sings his own name more than anyone has ever sung their own name:

I’m ridin’ solo.

Dylan · Answer

Single women live longer: That's just science, baby!

Chiara · Answer

Animal Instinct by Amy Shearn: I really enjoyed this, it’s about a woman after her divorce enjoying sexual adventure and discovery! Very fun.

Tricia B · Answer

An Unnecessary Woman (Rabih Alameddine): I think about the woman in this novel all the time. Her culture thinks of her as discarded, but she is living her best life alone, working in a book store, translating books nobody reads, thinking and drinking coffee on her balcony.

Kate · Answer

Good material: The first 2/3rds of the novel were not my fave, told from the man’s persoective after a breakup. But the last 1/3rd from the woman’s is so damn good and incredibly affirming about singlehood.

Melinda · Answer

Pernille: Most beautiful family drama. In Norwegian with subtitles (so I couldn’t also be on my phone) which was a strong part of the appeal. The characters will stay with me a long time.

Melinda · Answer

Better Things (2016)

Mari · Answer

I’m Mostly Here To Enjoy Myself: Delightful memoir about a single woman avidly living her best life