Marriage has undergone significant changes over the years and is now quite different from the marriages of previous generations. While some people may still see it as the ultimate goal, the truth is that marriage is often overrated. Some people might argue that it's just a piece of paper that ties two people together and therefore overrated in that sense, but there are other ways in which marriage is overrated as well.
1. Marriage doesn't equal happiness
Many people dream of getting married from a young age and may believe that marriage will solve all their problems and bring them happiness. However, this is not always the case. Even if you marry the person you love, there is no guarantee that you will be happy in your marriage.
2. No one is immune to divorce
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate has decreased in recent years, but it still remains close to 40%. This means that a significant portion of marriages end in divorce, and anyone can become a statistic. While fear of divorce should not be the sole reason to avoid marriage, it is still a relevant consideration.
3. You don't need to be married to live together
In the past, living with a partner without being married was frowned upon, but times have changed. Today, it is more accepted and it is not uncommon for people to live with their partner without getting married. In many cases, there is no real benefit to getting legally married, and it may even seem unnecessary or silly.
4. You don't have to be hitched to have kids
If you want to have children, you don't need to be married. It is possible to raise children as a single parent, and it is not wrong to do so. If you are interested in becoming a parent, don't wait for a spouse. There are alternative options available, such as using a sperm donor.
5. You can get insurance by just being someone's partner
It's important to check with your employer, as policies on offering insurance to partners may vary. However, many companies offer insurance coverage to the partners of their employees, regardless of their sexual orientation. You don't always need to get married to access these benefits.
6. It's expensive
Getting married with all the traditional pomp and circumstance can be very expensive. It's not uncommon for people to spend a significant amount of money on their wedding day, only to start their married life together with very little financial resources. In fact, the wedding day itself may be even more overrated than marriage.
7. It can make you feel trapped
If you are cohabitating with your partner, it is easier to leave the relationship if things become difficult or you decide it's time to move on. Marriage, on the other hand, does not offer this level of flexibility.
8. It's a lot of work
Marriage changes the dynamic of a relationship in many ways. When you are married, you are legally considered to be a single unit, and everything you own becomes shared property. This means that you no longer have complete control over your own assets and must consider your spouse in financial decisions. This can be a significant change for people who are used to being independent.
9. Fidelity is a struggle
It's important to recognize that remaining faithful to one person for an extended period of time can be challenging. With the changing attitudes towards marriage and the availability of temptations, fidelity can be a major issue in marriages. Some people may choose to avoid this challenge by remaining single.
10. You end up sacrificing yourself
It is common for people to make sacrifices in their marriage for various reasons. One reason may be that maintaining a relationship is difficult and requires compromises. Another reason may be that people do not change, so sometimes the only option is to make sacrifices in order to get along. Even if you believe that you will never make sacrifices in your marriage, it is likely that you will eventually find yourself doing so.
11. It's becoming obsolete
Marriage is becoming less relevant as people become more independent and capable of taking care of themselves. It is no longer necessary for many people and may be pursued out of tradition, obligation, or convenience rather than for any tangible benefits. As a result, marriage is losing its significance and is becoming obsolete.
Things To Keep In Mind If People Criticize You For Thinking Marriage Is Overrated
1. Nothing's wrong
Even if everyone around you is getting married, you may choose not to because you know that marriage would not bring you happiness. This does not mean that you are broken, confused, or unable to accept love. Instead, it means that you are being honest with yourself and living your life in the way that you want to. Others may judge you for this decision, but it is important to remember that it is your life and you should not be concerned with meeting others' expectations of "wife material." You have more important things to focus on.
2. You're still figuring it out
You may choose not to enter into a relationship until you have a better understanding of your own identity and goals. It is important to take the time to explore your own interests and desires before involving someone else in your life. Additionally, you may simply not want to be in a relationship at this time. This is perfectly fine! Some people know that they want to get married, while others do not. It is important to do what feels right for you and not worry about what others expect. The world is vast and there is plenty of time to soul-search and explore your interests.
3. You're not interested in that level of commitment right now, anyway
You are someone who loves love and is open to affection. You are passionate and fall in love easily with places, stories, people, and opportunities. You don't want to be limited and want to experience as much as possible. This does not mean that you can't commit to one person or place, but rather that you don't want to do so at this time. You want to explore and experience everything before making a decision.
4. You're a free spirit
You value your freedom and do not want to miss out on any opportunities. Marriage requires taking into consideration the feelings of another person, which may limit your ability to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. You enjoy your independence and excitement and do not feel the need to settle down at this time. If you do decide to get married, you want it to be later in life after you have had a chance to experience a significant portion of what the world has to offer.
5. There's more to life than a wedding ring
Marriage should be an exciting prospect, and if it does not appeal to you, it may not be the right choice for you. It could be that you have not met the right person, or that you have met the right person but still do not want to get married. It is perfectly fine to enjoy dating without feeling the need to walk down the aisle. You are not alone in this, as not everyone spends their time dreaming of their perfect wedding. You may be more interested in other things, such as food, travel, and inspiration. It's important to follow your own interests and not feel pressure to find a soulmate.
6. You have things to do
Marriage does not mean that you stop living, but it does involve a shift in the way you live as you are now connected to another person and must consider their feelings. Marriage can be a wonderful choice for those who want it, but if it is not something you desire, that is perfectly fine. You may have your own goals and plans that you want to pursue on your own before committing to living with another person. It is not necessary to rush into marriage and you can take your time to do what feels right for you.
7. Being single is your choice
Being single can be wonderful, and it is not uncommon for people to be genuinely happy living on their own. You may be open to a relationship or you may prefer to be a lone wolf. Either way, it is important to have a strong relationship with yourself and to focus on your own happiness. It is okay to be single and to take the time to focus on yourself.
8. It's nice to be selfish sometimes
At this time, you may not feel ready to be there for someone else and support them in the way that a partner would. It is okay to prioritize your own needs and focus on taking care of yourself. It is not selfish to want to focus on your own growth and well-being, and there will be plenty of time for compromise and consideration in the future. It is important to take care of yourself and not have any regrets later on in life.
9. You're not unlovable
People are often drawn to you because of your confidence and honesty. You have a clear sense of what you don't want and are not afraid to stand by your convictions, even if they are outside of the norm. It is possible that others may judge you for not fitting the mold of "wife material" or may call you selfish, bitter, or unlovable. These judgments are likely driven by jealousy and a lack of understanding of your values. It takes bravery to be true to yourself and to stand by your convictions.
10. There's nothing wrong with you
There is a societal expectation that people should find a partner and get married before a certain age, but there is no inherent requirement to do so. It is not uncommon for women to be judged for opting out of traditional marriage, but it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all path in life. Others may tell you that your decision to not marry is just a phase, but you should trust your own heart and not be swayed by external pressures. It is okay to take the time to explore what feels right for you and to ignore the background noise of societal expectations.
