Millennial Women Embrace ‘Golden Girls’ Lifestyle with Friends

As cultural norms shift, many millennial women are redefining their futures by choosing to live with friends rather than pursuing traditional romantic relationships. This trend echoes the camaraderie seen in the classic television show “Golden Girls,” where companionship and shared experiences take precedence over conventional family structures.

In Canada, the number of roommate households surged by 54 percent from 2001 to 2021, making them the fastest-growing household type, according to a survey conducted by Leger for Royal LePage. The desire for deeper connections, rising housing costs, and the demanding nature of modern dating are pushing individuals to envision their lives as communal rather than centered on romantic partnerships.

Victoria Yeung, a Toronto-based relationship coach, notes that there is a significant cultural shift underway. With the rise of digital platforms, alternative living arrangements are becoming more visible. She highlights trends like friends raising children together and pooling resources to create supportive communities.

The challenges of the housing market have also prompted this shift. Many women are finding that cohabitation with friends is not only practical but fulfilling. Kendra Austin, a popular TikTok creator, shared that living with her best friend has provided the emotional support she once expected from a partner. “We care for each other in the same way we expected partners to,” she explained.

In 2021, Sarah Scanlon and her best friend, Jen, made a deliberate choice to purchase a home together in Guelph, Ontario. For Scanlon, this was not a fallback plan, but rather a conscious decision to prioritize the relationships that make her feel secure. “Choosing to live with Jen means I’m more likely to ask myself, ‘Who do I want to spend this time with?’” Scanlon stated. Their living arrangement includes a co-ownership agreement and regular emotional check-ins to ensure a harmonious household.

The growing trend of platonic cohabitation, however, often encounters societal skepticism. Yeung points out that the dominant culture prioritizes romantic relationships, perpetuating the idea that women derive their worth from being desired by men. This social construct affects various institutions, including those related to home ownership, where platonic arrangements are often seen as less serious.

For Mia Cosco, moving in with friends was a strategic response to the challenging rental market in British Columbia. After realizing they all needed housing simultaneously, she and two colleagues pooled their resources. “It’s rough out there,” Cosco remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of the housing market. Despite their relatively new friendship, they are committed to supporting each other during this transitional phase.

Living with friends can also serve as a foundation for individual growth. It allows individuals to maintain autonomy while sharing responsibilities and emotional support. However, successful cohabitation requires effort and structure. Conversations about finances, personal boundaries, and shared responsibilities are essential to cultivate strong relationships.

Yeung emphasizes that friendship can offer love, connection, and intimacy beyond traditional romantic frameworks. “We’re told that if you haven’t found The One, you’re missing out on the best part of being human,” she said. “But how limiting is that?”

The future envisioned by these millennial women reflects a broader shift toward valuing friendships as integral to a fulfilling life. Whether it looks like a shared home filled with mismatched furniture or a group of friends enjoying pizza nights, the emphasis lies on creating meaningful connections.

As this trend continues to grow, the hope is for a cultural landscape where choosing friends as lifelong companions is celebrated, and where success is measured by the strength of these bonds rather than adherence to traditional family structures. The future may very well belong to those who prioritize their friendships, creating a vibrant tapestry of life experiences shared with those they cherish most.