Single and happy

There are many reasons why men and women today shun the institution of marriage. One of the key reasons is they believe in meeting new people and keeping their options open for better companionship, which is an important key to happiness. Preferring freedom over commitment, these individuals crave open experiences rather than family life and are happy to live their lives free of any kind of obligation.

Others, who are seen to marry late or not at all, believe in putting themselves first. They do not see the 'worth' in a marriage, which threatens to stunt their own growth, whether personally or professionally. These free birds are often seen furthering their careers, growing academically, giving wings to their creativity or working on their mental health. They value independence and will not allow anything to limit their freedom, even if that means going the unconventional way.

While marriage is one of the most fulfilling relationships, it may also seem like one of the most draining. A healthy marriage demands space, compromise, caregiving, and the sharing of emotional burdens — all of which can become tiring and have one dreaming of a life free of the added burdens that love brings with it. Many women realise this exhausting side of commitment and choose to live on the other side of it.

The world of today is far from the closed up, restrictive and conservative world of the past and starting a family without an active partner is now an actual option, something that was inconceivable even a few decades ago. This has cleared the way for many women whose sole motivation to get married was to bear and raise babies. They can do so now without the "shackles" of marriage tying them down for a long time on the account of children.

Social stigma around the institution of broken marriages and commitment phobia that has suddenly emerged as one of the more rampant issues of society nowadays has also played its part in keeping young people away from marriage. Past trauma and the inability to stay in a relationship without feeling overwhelmed or stifled has been the final nail in the coffin of the tradition of matrimony, as more people find their breathing space outside of the sacred bond.

There are many reasons why single people choose to stay single, just as there are many motivations for married people to stay in a relationship. Truth be told, both schools of thought have their pros and cons. However, the paradigm shift that has taken place in the thinking of young people regarding matrimony has caused many marriage and relationship experts, not to mention, the self-proclaimed flagbearers of marriage in society some discomfort and will possibly continue to, at least, until they are able to wrap their minds around this new normal. Nevertheless, if Jennifer Aniston, Emilia Clarke and Oprah Winfrey swear by it, we will take their word for it.

Disclaimer: This story was published based on popular opinion. This does not represent The Daily Star's viewpoint in any context.