by Ann E. Smith

Created on: November 23, 2009

It seems that more people are staying single longer these days, especially in metropolitan areas. It's hard to fathom that only 50 years ago, most women felt their calling in life was to marry young and have children.

But times have changed. Many women and men do not envision themselves getting married until their 30s - if at all.

What are the reasons for this shift in attitude? Why are people staying single longer?

This question clearly is not an easy one to answer. There are so many reasons why people stay single longer.

For starters, the trend is a strong one. Since more and more people are waiting to get married, there is less pressure. Most people these days pursue college and perhaps graduate school.

Their immediate focus is then on starting their careers. And this no longer applies only to men. Women are not only active in the workplace, but they are often competing for jobs in top careers.

Many twenty-somethings prefer choose to live in packs as they start working. The hugely popular TV show Friend depicted this lifestyle choice.

It's not uncommon to work hard during the week and then play hard on the weekends. Many people do not want to be tied down during this time.

First, they are having way too much fun on their own. And they like the freedom that being single provides. Sure, they may be actively dating, but dating is not the same as being married.

Instead of saving for a home or starting a family, young professionals may prefer going on weekend getaways. They can experience so many aspects of life without choosing to settle down into a marriage.

Another factor influencing young people to hold off from marrying is past experience. Children of divorce are often more reluctant to rush into a marriage.

They want to make sure that they find the right person before making this commitment. Even people whose parents have remained married are often hesitant to marry at a young age.

More than ever, young people realize that they will mature and change as they go through their twenties. And they may want to go through this period of transition on their own.

Finally, people are increasingly becoming financially independent. Women in particular are less likely to rely on a man for their only means of financial security.

One other reason that people stay single longer is that women are having babies later in life. As many first-time parents are in their mid- to late-thirties, there is less of a rush to start a family.

These are just a few of the reasons people are staying single longer. There are many more factors involved as well, and it will curious to see if this trend continues.

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