Adam and Danny make the Times (page 10)

THE battle of the sexes has turned full circle. Single men are for the first time more likely than women to want to settle down and marry, accord­ing to a new study.

While men are becoming bewildered creatures yearning for a loving wife, women are relishing their freedom and savouring life on their own.

Experts say the report, Single­tons, by the research company Mintel, . confirms observations that a shift has occurred in relations between the sexes.

Women' have become ever more adventurous and socially confident over the past 20 years, while men have become more insecure and anxious. Nicola Stuber, author of the report, found that unattached males set a higher store by relationships than women in the same position. "They are more likely to prioritise being in a steady relationship and getting married or cohabiting," she said. "Unattached women seem more adventurous in some ways than unattached men ­ they are more inclined to take time out to travel and see the world, and are also more enthu­siastic about self-improvement. Women are becoming more independent, but' men like to have a steady relationship, so there's someone to rely on.".

Researchers found, after inter­viewing 366 singles, that 39% of single men believe being in a steady relationship is one of the most important things in life, compared with 26% of single women. Men are also more likely to have marriage on their mind, with 21 % considering it a priority compared with 15% of women.

Women are more interested in improving themselves than men - 38% rate Hlearning new skills" as a priority, compared with 17% of men - and 43% rate Hhaving good holidays" as important, compared with 38% of men.

The trend for women to travel the world is epitomised by the new breed of British round-the-world yachtswomen.

Emma Richards, 29, who competed in the 2002-03 Around Alone solo round-the-world yacht race, said: "It is difficult for relationships, but I don't regret any of it."

Richards has now found the ideal way to combine her love of the ocean with a relationship. In 2005 she plans to co-skipper a yacht in the Volvo round-the­world race with her boyfriend.

Fellow yachtswoman Tracey Edwards, 41, blamed the sport for the break-up of her mar­riage. She said last year: "It's impossible - sailing and rela­tionships never work, espe­cially if you are single. Men are less tolerant of being away. But that's a price you have to pay."

The change is more marked in the younger generation. Adam Grady, a 23-year-old physiotherapist from London, is due to marry his fiancee Dan­ie1le Besant, 23, a trainee den­tist, in December. Besant plans to work abroad and Grady is happy, to move with her.

"There are a lot of aspects to Danielle - her .values and attitudes - that are very simi­lar to my mum. She's caring, maternal and will be wonderful at looking after our family," he said.

"She's keen to travel and wants to work abroad, but if she didn't want to go abroad then I wouldn't go as I don't want to spend time apart from her."

Besant said: "Spending time abroad was something I've always had plans to do and Adam was quite happy to go."

Richard Scase, professor of sociology at Kent University and author of the book Britain in 2010: the Changing Business Landscape, said: HWe now have more assertive, self-confi­dent women, much more aspira­tional than men, more risk­taking and more enterprising."

Scase said success in the workplace meant that women no longer needed to rely on men financially: HThe bargain­ing power of men in the erotic marketplace , has declined quite dramatically. Men no longer call the shots - it's women who pick and choose."