In India, families often begin worrying about marriage once children cross a certain age, reaching out to relatives and social networks to find a suitable match. Yet, despite these efforts, many people
remain single. For those living abroad, the search can be even lonelier, often confined to dating apps and self-driven attempts at companionship. For some, these experiences turn so bitter that staying single begins to feel safer.
One such story that has resonated widely online is that of Becky, a 32-year-old project manager from Brisbane, UK, whose candid video about loneliness and failed dating experiences has gone viral. Becky has lived without a partner for the past 15 years, and says her past experiences have left her so scarred that even the idea of dating now fills her with fear.
In the emotional video, Becky spoke about a reality many find uncomfortable to admit. She said prolonged singleness often makes her feel as though something is fundamentally wrong with her. “No guy has ever told me he loves me. I’m not even sure if, when I do fall in love, I’ll even recognise it,” she said, adding that dating now feels like “a job interview I never applied for”.
Her story took on deeper layers when, two-and-a-half years ago, Becky was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic and serious neurological condition. The diagnosis not only altered her health but also severely impacted her confidence and sense of self-worth, particularly when it came to relationships. She admitted that meeting someone new and disclosing her illness feels daunting, driven by the fear that people may see her condition before seeing her as a person.
Becky’s honesty struck a chord with millions. Thousands responded to her video, with many sharing their own struggles with long-term singleness and uncertainty about the future. Some wrote about being single for decades and wondering if the next 40 years would look the same. Others reassured her that there is no deadline for love and that rushing into relationships often does more harm than good.
Despite her own loneliness, Becky said she finds joy in watching her brother’s relationship with his girlfriend and hopes to experience a similar bond someday. She reflected on how her perception of love has changed over the years. “I used to see relationships very romantically. Now I see them for what they really are,” she said, adding that while she enjoys sleeping alone, waking up alone every day still hurts.
She also spoke about the pressure society places on adults to follow a fixed life script starting with marriage, to buying a home and then having children, calling it deeply unfair to those whose lives unfold differently. “There is nothing wrong with you. You are not behind anyone,” Becky said in her message to others like her. “Being single for a long time doesn’t make you less worthy of love. Don’t force yourself into a relationship just to meet some imaginary timeline. Building a life that makes you happy is more important,” she said.
