by Carmel Brulez

Created on: October 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 18, 2009

It is possible to be single and happy. After all, how many people do you know who are married and happy? I mean really happy. Not secretly regretting settling down with their partner and making the best of a bad job.

There are married people who long to be single and single people who long to be married. Whether any of them are ever truly happy is doubtful as they do not seem to realise that happiness comes from within. We can only be happy when we are content as individuals. If we seek for others and circumstances to make us happy we will be forever searching.

Years ago, it was normal to get married and considered strange not to. Women were considered to be unwanted, unlovable spinsters who could not get a man to take them on and look after them. Their sole aim in life then was to find a husband and bear him children. In return for this he paid the bills. Some people still seek such a marriage. But there is no love or friendship in it. Now it is more normal for a woman to work full time, even if she is married. In theory she is now able to pay her own bills and no longer needs a man to provide for her.

Now people put more emphasis on happiness. They are no longer content to do what society or their family expect of them. Especially when they see that most in that society are not happy with it themselves. Therefore instead of jumping off the cliff like a lemming, following the other lemmings who have already leapt to their death, they question what is best for them.

Do I want to be married or single? If there is no gorgeous person around to marry then why get married? And why be in a rush to get married anyway? People now value the choice they have of staying single if they prefer it. They are not in a rush to give up their independence.

You also have people who have been married or lived with someone but lost their partner through death or divorce. They now realise that marriage is not necessary so wonderful and give being single a try. After all it cannot be worse. And at least as a single person they can make their own choices.

Single people should embrace the many opportunities and advantages they have over those in a relationship. If they truly appreciated them they would see they can have a wonderful life full of lovely surprises and contentment.

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