When most people think of Halloween, they picture glowing jack-o’-lanterns, bowls of candy, creative costumes, and neighborhood laughter. But for many single adults, October 31 carries a very different emotional weight. Instead of spooky fun, the night can bring a quiet ache — one filled with isolation, invisibility, and the sense of being left out.
A Surprising Discovery About Loneliness
A recent survey by Dating.com, which gathered responses from 1,000 single adults, uncovered an unexpected truth: Halloween may be one of the most emotionally challenging days of the year for people who are single.
While Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve are usually blamed for sparking loneliness, participants revealed that Halloween often hits harder. Nearly 6 in 10 respondents said Halloween is among the most emotionally difficult holidays they experience, and more than half believe it feels even worse than Valentine’s Day.
When Festivities Highlight What’s Missing
According to the survey, 79% of singles report feeling lonely on Halloween. For some, the sadness becomes overwhelming. Over half admitted they’ve felt emotional when answering the door to trick-or-treating families — a sweet tradition that can quietly remind them of what they don’t currently have.
Scrolling through social media doesn’t make things easier. Feeds quickly fill with coordinated couples’ costumes, family photos, and party snapshots. About 73% of respondents said seeing these posts deepens their sense of loneliness, turning what should be lighthearted fun into painful comparison.
Hiding the Hurt
Perhaps most striking is how many singles suffer in silence. More than three-quarters of those surveyed said they’ve pretended to have plans on Halloween to avoid questions or pity. Nearly two-thirds rarely open up about how they truly feel, choosing instead to act “fine” while privately struggling with isolation.
These findings reveal how easily loneliness can hide behind a smile, especially on a holiday that’s supposed to be playful and carefree.
Part of a Bigger Problem
Although Halloween may not seem like an obvious emotional trigger, experts note that the entire holiday season can be difficult for many people. An editorial published in eClinical Medicine points out that fall and winter holidays often intensify feelings of exclusion, particularly for those who feel socially disconnected.
This struggle is happening against the backdrop of a growing loneliness crisis in the United States. In New York City alone, more than half of residents report feeling lonely at least some of the time, according to the city’s health department.
Why Connection Matters So Much
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has repeatedly warned that chronic loneliness is not just emotionally painful — it’s physically dangerous.
He encourages people to take small, daily steps to strengthen relationships, noting that social disconnection carries a mortality risk comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than risks linked to obesity or physical inactivity.
Looking at Halloween Differently
Halloween may be filled with costumes and candy, but for many singles, it quietly underscores the human need for connection. Understanding this reality opens the door to more empathy — checking in on friends, extending invitations, or simply acknowledging that not everyone experiences the holiday the same way.
