Are you a single woman in her 20s and 30s already tired of hearing people ask if you have a significant other? Once or twice you may entertain the conversation from friends, but soon it becomes your family, acquaintances, and pretty much everyone you meet?
Why are they asking? You now wonder. Then you begin to understand it is about marriage. Marriage is something every little girl fantasizes about while growing up. It's about finding your prince charming and having kids and then they have the same fantasies and so it continues.
The main question you should ask if you are in your 20s and 30s is why you want to get married in the first place (if you do). First, it would be more traditional to get married and then have children as a next step. And in your age at this point it is your prime time to have a healthy baby. You want the best for your future children.
Another reason people get married is for benefits. Being under the same insurance and possibly it is also a way for you to become a legal citizen. That one is a more dated reason, but people would be surprised nowadays because it is still happening.
Sometimes, though, people get married simply because they are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together. Sometimes it really IS because of love and not necessity. But you can be in love and together your whole lives without getting married.
Is marriage just a piece of paper?
Religion says no. It is about spiritual connection and desire to stay together against all obstacles. The whole ceremony is a celebration of this commitment to each other. And that would mean they are bound to stay together because divorce is not considered a true option for people who really believe.
To some, though, who are not religious, it is just a way to celebrate each other together. Some people choose a big venue and have a very expensive wedding, while others choose a small gathering with close friends and family. To each their own.
But regardless of whether it is just a paper or not, getting married or being with someone is your business, and your business ALONE. People should stop wondering and questioning other's life choices. Maybe they haven't met anyone, maybe they aren't dating. Maybe they are not ready for a lifelong commitment. Who knows? And why should people have a say in how you live your life? Everyone has their own reasons to not get married, so respect it.
Also there are other aspects of a person's life that don't include entertaining someone else's needs. Maybe self-improvement? That's always something people end up doing- working on themselves. And that's another good way to get ready for any obstacles to come.
