Tracee Ellis Ross reflects on single, child-free life in new interview: "Grief does emerge"

Tracee Ellis Ross has opened up about her personal journey as a single, child-free woman in a revealing conversation on the latest episode of the “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” podcast. .

The Blackish actress shared that while she occasionally feels grief about not having a partner or children, she remains committed to living life on her own terms. “As much as grief does surface for me around not having children and not having a partner, I still wouldn’t want the wrong partner. At all, I’m not interested in that,” she said.

Ross emphasised that any future relationship must add value to her life, saying, “You have to make my life better, it can’t just be ‘I’m in a relationship just to be in a relationship.’”

She described a deep sense of accomplishment from navigating life independently and acknowledged the emotional work involved. “Even though the grief does emerge and that comes and I hold that, I think of what I’ve done,” she said. “I think I woke up every morning trying to do my best… So I must be where I’m supposed to be.”

Reflecting on her life’s achievements, Ross spoke about the courage required to be single in a society that often equates fulfilment with marriage and family. She credited her strength, independence, and a close circle of friends for creating a rich, meaningful life.

Still, Ross admitted she desires companionship but finds it difficult due to outdated gender expectations. She noted that many men in her age group hold onto rigid notions of masculinity, which can be a barrier to forming deep connections.