After living that life for almost a decade and raising a kid in tow, I can say that there are absolute benefits in living alone.
Is it the best thing for me? Absolutely not.
But some things are worth the wait.
For many, for financial and security reasons it may be necesary to have a partner to shoulder the daily cost of living. Lets face it, aint no shame in declaring financial embarrasment these days.
Is it
harder to be single?
That depends on the perspective.
When "coupled" it is certainly easier to fulfill one's intimate needs.
So too, its easier finding someone to unwind with at the end of the day or cuddle up to or have candlelight dinners with on Friday nights.