Despite singles complaining loveless life isn’t great, a new study suggests those who are unattached and dislike conflict might be pretty happy.

Research from the University of Auckland involving 4000 participants found people who fear relationship conflict are just as content when they are single as when in a relationship.

Lead researcher Yuthika Girme said that went against the majority of findings from previous similar studies.

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“It’s a well-documented finding that single people tend to be less happy compared to those in a relationship, but that may not be true for everyone,” she said.

“Single people also can have satisfying lives.”

The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, writes that those who try hard to avoid disagreement were content without a plus one in their lives.

It concluded being single may remove some of the anxiety triggered by relationship conflict. However, if arguments don’t concern you, the study says it might be better to be in a relationship.

Sexual Health Australia relationship counsellor Desiree Spierings told the ABC that people could have two distinct types of social goals: avoidance social goals or approach social goals.

That refers to whether a person wants to focus on maximising positive outcomes or minimising negative ones in their lives.

She added it was important for people to realise someone does not need a partner “to be okay”.

“We can have a roof over our heads, have laughs with our friends, food on the table, enjoy life and truly be happy without a significant other,” she said.

– with ABC