LITTLE ROCK—Gerald Winters, a 34-year-old accountant, announced his new ‘Single by Choice’ status. “Really embracing solitude,” he stated, “Not mine, but, you know, someone chose this for me.” Local residents gathered to applaud his newfound autonomy.

Friends reported that Winters has thoroughly explored freedom, hosting several Netflix marathons. “It’s empowering,” said Winters, “to realize there are plenty of slices in a large pizza. Me and my cat, Mr. Whiskers, are perfectly content.”

Experts suspect Winters’ public declaration may influence others. “Commitment? Overrated,” said relationship coach Claire Nelson. “As Gerald’s story proves, choice is relative,” she continued, “even if it’s someone else’s.” Meanwhile, Winters has allegedly joined 17 new dating apps, “just in case perspectives change.”