Includes bibliographical references (pages 295-309) and index.

Drawing on stories from diverse long-term single women, including herself, Trimberger explodes the idea that fulfillment comes only through coupling with a soul mate. Instead, she presents a new possibility for the 21st century: a woman who is content with her single life. This trailblazing woman is distinguished by six important characteristics: she has a nurturing home; satisfying work; is comfortable with her sexuality; connects with the next generation; finds emotional intimacy with friends and family; and creates a supportive community. Personal accounts of how single women's lives evolve over time, combined with Trimberger's analysis, blend to provide a cultural roadmap for every single woman who is striving to create a satisfying and meaningful life. She argues that married women and single women are not different or in competition but rather at opposite ends of a continuum that comprises many women, including bisexuals and lesbians.--From publisher description.

SACFinal081324