Ally Web Directory: Free Articles » Family » Why People Don’t Want to Get Married

It is no longer imagined that someone is fated to be single, but instead that they choose to be single. There is a new-found empowerment in the single life, which has more and more people following suit.

 

Marriage Going Out of Fashion

 

Marriage has lost its glorious reputation of being the central theme of life. Earlier, one was considered to have “settled down” only if one was married. Today, settling down has nothing to do with marriage but living life on one’s own terms. Marriage is no longer even considered necessary, to have children. In an increasingly individualistic society, marriage seems to constraining. People seem to have neither the time nor the inclination to make the effort towards maintaining a lifelong commitment.

 

Living-In Appeal

 

The idea of living-in is becoming increasingly appealing to couples these days. They find it easier and the relationship seems to be less of a strain than when one is bound legally. Even if they have children, couples don’t feel the need to marry. They live together as any family would and are even equally committed, except that they don’t sign a piece of paper. Couples living-in, find they have more freedom to be the people they are and they don’t take each other for granted.

 

Fear of Divorce

 

With the increasing rate of divorce, the institution of marriage is taking a beating. Even couples, who have had a long courtship period, seem unable to handle the pressure of marriage. In conservative societies where marriage is almost sacred, divorce is slowly becoming acceptable. Having children together, doesn’t guarantee a successful marriage. People are becoming wary of marriage because it might end in divorce. The side effect of a divorce, if it happens, makes marriage less than appealing.

 

Careers and the Single Life

 

We live in a material world and to live well in such a world one needs to be successful. Men and women are equally ambitious and leave no stone unturned, to climb up the corporate ladder.  This allows them very little time to give a marriage the kind of attention and effort it requires. Instead, they find it far easier to be in relationships that are not too demanding. People are constantly travelling and always meeting new, exciting people. To be tied to one person for life seems a little boring, when faced with so many options. Between giving importance to one’s career and marriage, people seem to be more inclined to pursue the former.

 

A Bad Marriage

 

People who have been married and have had a bad experience are more inclined to live in. A divorce leaves a person badly affected and to get into another marriage seems the worst thing possible. They are not able to trust another person enough, to make such a deep commitment again. If a woman has suffered at the hands of an abusive husband, she prefers to concentrate on a career than get into a deep relationship. If a partner has been unfaithful, a person loses respect for marital vows.

 

Property Problems

 

Since people work hard to amass their wealth, they find it unfair to have to part with some of it, in the event of a divorce. Living-in doesn’t have any legal binding and a couple can part ways without an ugly legal battle. Both partners earn and enjoy their money without one having to maintain the other. In fact, some men are wary of women looking to climb up the social ladder through marriage. They prefer to have a relationship where they know a partner is there because of them and not the money.

 

Instant Gratification

 

Today’s generation believes in instant gratification. They want to live several lifetimes in one. If one can have several committed relationships, they find no reason to be tied down by one. The way we live our lives too, is faster and busier and marriage does take time and effort. People don’t feel they have to change how they live even in a slight way and this stance makes it difficult for a marriage to be successful. Living-in allows for a person to be more free-spirited and pursue his or her dreams unhindered.

 

Conclusion

 

There are very few “happily married” role models left. Even living together for decades doesn’t guarantee that a couple won’t get divorced. This less than rosy picture has made people more inclined to live-in than get married.