Gen Z Is "Solomaxxing" To Enjoy Their Single Life And It Could Change How You See Being Alone

For the longest time, romance felt like the ultimate endgame. Movies, TV shows, and even well-meaning relatives made it seem like happiness naturally led to a relationship. But Gen Z is starting to challenge that idea—and in the process, we're redefining what a fulfilling life can look like.

These days, more people are embracing singlehood, choosing independence, and taking the pressure off finding a partner ASAP. Activities that used to feel intimidating alone, like dining at a restaurant, watching a movie, traveling, or attending events solo, are now proudly documented online under a new term: solomaxxing.

Solomaxxing—a.k.a. "singlemaxxing," "alonemaxxing," and "bymyselfmaxxing"—is essentially the practice of embracing life on your own terms while single. Scroll through TikTok, and you'll quickly see the vibe. It's usually a short montage set to an empowering pop anthem, a dreamy indie track, or a calming instrumental. The videos can feature anything from simple moments like walking in the park alone, going for a run, or journaling, to bigger adventures like finally taking that solo trip or trying an entirely new hobby.

The term exploded on TikTok this year as users began documenting the joys of doing things alone and prioritizing themselves over actively pursuing romance. While the trend can look different from person to person, the common thread is investing time, energy, and resources in yourself.

Part of the trend's popularity may also come from a very practical reality: dating is expensive. Reports from the United States found that the average date now costs around $189 (approximately P11,500), prompting many young people to rethink how much time, money, and emotional energy they're willing to spend on modern dating.

The Philippines quickly picked up on the trend, and it's not hard to see why. Recent surveys have found that many Filipinos continue to feel the effects of rising living costs, while other reports show that more people are choosing to focus on personal, career, and financial goals before entering a serious relationship.

But somewhere along the way, solomaxxing became its own kind of lifestyle.

TikTok user @euniverzze counts afternoon strolls around Makati City as one of her favorite solomaxxing activities. She seems to become more present during her solo dates and less concerned about looking awkward while documenting her moment in public.

On the other hand, TikTok user @lilbignancy even described her singlemaxxing content as a way of romanticizing her life.

More than anything, solomaxxing is helping remove the stigma around being single. For years, many of us grew up with the idea that we had to find a partner, get married, or settle down by a certain age. But this trend is reminding people that there's no deadline for any of that.

One TikTok user, @kimhoshii, shared a video of herself working on her laptop at an outdoor café with the caption, "by myself maxing at 38." It's a simple reminder that life can still be fun, productive, and meaningful even when you're on your own.

Love stories will probably never go out of style. But for many Gen Zs, the relationship they're learning to prioritize first is the one they have with themselves.