The 5 Benefits of Being Unmarried: Embracing the Single Life
I am often asked how’s life on “the other side.” Am I lonely? Am I depressed? This is a common misconception. Being unmarried is equated to feeling incomplete or unhappy. The popular belief is that one must be married in order to be genuinely content.
More People Are Choosing the Single Life Nowadays
I’m a woman in my late 30s, and I am unmarried. You don’t get to hear this phrase often, especially in India.
Society often pressures people, particularly women, to settle down and get married early. Still, I did not face any such issue. I was given a choice, and I chose the unmarried life consciously because it offered the one thing that was of absolute importance to me – the complete freedom to live on my own terms.
The truth is, being unmarried can be a joyful and fulfilling experience in its own right. I’ve learned to embrace my unmarried life and find freedom and happiness in my choice.
In the end, it depends on what you truly want. Did you consciously choose the single life? Did you wilfully choose your married life? If anything happens against your choice, you can expect to experience some internal friction and bitterness later. Because my choice was to remain single, I am content.
Don’t get me wrong. I personally love being romantically involved with someone. I enjoy intimate discussions, but I believe you don’t need marriage to continue feeling committed. For a person like me, who craves a lot of space, cohabitation is out of the question.
If you are someone like me, this article is for you. It aims to convey the fact that it is okay to want to remain unmarried and that you are not a misfit for desiring a forever single life.
In this article, I’ll share five reasons why being unmarried can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Remember, this is a highly subjective viewpoint. Single life is not suitable for everyone. Analyze your own personality and figure out which kind of life you want.
1. Independence
When you’re unmarried, you have the complete freedom to make decisions and live life your way. You don’t have to consult anyone else before making plans or changing your schedule. You can pursue your interests and passions without feeling like you’re neglecting or disrespecting your partner or your partner’s family. This independence can feel incredibly empowering and liberating.
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2. Self-discovery and Personal Growth
Being unmarried is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better. In India, women are expected to get married in their 20s. Any kind of resistance is met with a line referencing your biological clock. So we never get the opportunity to properly analyze our needs.
It was only in my 30s that I discovered the person that I truly am – my actual likes and dislikes and my core beliefs. I was able to distance myself from incompatible people with this knowledge alone. Age and experience help you to make decisions that align with your values and goals.
Being unmarried allows you to focus deeply on personal growth and development. You can find time to work on yourself and develop a sense of self-worth without the distractions of a marriage. When you’re married, your hobbies and educational activities take a back seat. It is something that bothered me when I was once married. You are very consumed with looking after your family and have no time for yourself or your hobbies. These hobbies define who you are, and they bring you comfort.
Finding time to learn new things help you grow both personally and professionally. It is easier to pursue such things when you are unmarried because you get ample time.
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3. Time for Friends and Family
When I was married, my world revolved around my partner and his needs. This is natural but often leads to us neglecting our other relationships.
When you’re single, you get more time to nurture and strengthen your connections with friends and family. Your friendship also does not depend on whether your partner likes them.
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4. Financial Freedom
Being single means having more disposable income. You don’t have to worry about splitting expenses or supporting a partner.
This financial freedom allows you to spend your money how you want. You can save it, travel, or invest in experiences and opportunities that align with your goals.
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5. Flexibility
No matter how progressive your partner is, there is some level of compromise when you are in a committed relationship. As a single person, you can change your mind at the spur of the moment. You can modify your plans without worrying about how others will be affected. If you decide to move across the country or switch careers, you can do so without the added complexity of coordinating with a partner.
In a relationship, you are often expected to compromise and make sacrifices to maintain peace. It happens even in the most progressive relationships. Cohabitation requires some amount of adjustment and compromise.
But when you’re single, you don’t have to worry about such things. You can focus on your happiness and well-being without feeling like you always have to give something up.
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So, What’s the Verdict?
Being unmarried isn’t for everyone. There are many joys to be found in a committed, loving relationship. But it’s also important to remember that being single can be a valid and fulfilling choice in its own right.
So if you’re single, don’t be afraid to embrace and enjoy the joys that come with it. It ultimately depends on your personal choice.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Kalpana Iyer
