Singles 1

Singles

Suzanna Marie Mancilla

Salt Lake Community College

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A journey of self-discovery requires an explorance of different cultures, beliefs, and ways

of life. It is about acquiring knowledge and gaining wisdom. When taking accountability only to

yourself, you have a unique opportunity to go wherever your heart takes you. Being single

affords you a unique opportunity. According to Stein (1975), “Despite cultural and psychological

pressures toward marriage and discriminatory social practices, there's personal growth, an

increase in opportunities and friendships, and a sense of independence that validated individuals

present lifestyles” (p. 490). You get to really find out who you are. Embracing the solitude and

vow to learn and uncover everything about yourself. Being single is about finding out who and

why you are what you are​.

Marriage is certainly about the push factors that you take into consideration. An

individual's looks, level of maturity, character, and their religious beliefs play a big role. Money

can also play a role here, making it both a push, as well as a pull factor. “Control over the

decision, anticipatory socialization, perceived permanency, perceptions of significant others, and

social support are factors that may influence how individuals manage singleness” (Keith, 1980.

p. 301-310). These push factors point us to our need for the other person and the relationship,

and this should help us to have the correct perspective when dealing with difficult issues. Within

my family there isn't quite a force that pushes me towards marriage. There is in fact, factors that

my parents hope that I will consider to look for in a man.

When the time comes for marriage, it comes along with many responsibilities as well.

Some might consider that being single might be the best fit for everyone at a young age.

According to Strong & Cohen (2014), “Many singles appear to be postponing marriage to an age
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that makes better economic and social sense” (p. 314). There are in certain circumstances where

there are forces pushing me towards singlehood as well. The concept of exploring what I want to

do with my life instead of feeling ​obligated to assume new responsibilities that I never wanted or

expected. The idea of also gaining self confidence within myself to allow me to learn how to do

things independently. Having the confidence to really seize these opportunities means I'll get to

live and enjoy the life I want. A sense of knowledgeable intelligence for an assured journey to

gain wisdom. When you are accountable only to yourself, you have a unique opportunity to go

wherever your heart takes you.

Single individuals have a heightened, conscious sense of their personal development.

Solitude is very encouraging. It suggests it's really good for creativity, restoration, personal

growth, spirituality, and for relaxation. There's a greater connection to their friends, siblings,

parents, neighbors, and coworkers.They are most likely to experience continued growth and

development as time passes. The more independent the person is, the less likely they are to

experience negative emotions. “The level of subjective well-being of singles who marry later in

life is contrasted with the well-being of those who stay single, controlling for numerous

observable characteristics” (Frey & Stutzer, 2004. p. 217). The satisfaction of life is based on

happiness, but it doesn't have to dependent on others, rather something that you choose for

yourself.

I truly believe that married people are happier than singles. According to Frey & Stutzer

(2005), “Marriage is one of the most important institutions affecting people’s life and

well-being” (p. 5). Whether it's the levels of health and wealth or the lower mortality levels as

compared to the single people. The situations of financial conditions, job security, health
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prospects, social life, education, sexual pleasure, and family, contribute to overall happiness.

Married people always come out on top in most of these areas of happiness. Single people may

feel that they have the advantage of being free and unattached. The general perception is that

marriage is stressful and even chaotic sometimes. The boost in happiness may be very little due

to the initial reactions to marriage. However, afterwards the married couples return to their

earlier levels of happiness. The greater significance of marriage than singlehood is that happiness

percentage is largely a big gap.

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Stein, J. P. (1975). Singlehood: An alternative to marriage. ​Family Coordinator. ​Vol, 24.

Issue. 4. p. 489-503.

Keith, M. P. (1980). Two models of singleness: Managing an atypical marital status.

International Journal of Sociology of the Family. ​Vol. 10. Issue. 2. p. 301-310.

Strong, B. Cohen, T. F. (2014). ​The Marriage and Family Experience:Intimate relationship and

changing Society ​(12th ed.).

Frey, S. B. Stutzer, A. (2004). Happiness Research: State and Prospects. ​Review of Social

Economy. ​Vol. 62. Issue. 2. p. 207-228.

Frey, S. B. Stutzer, A. (2005). Does marriage make people happy, or do happy people get

married. ​Institute of Labor Economics. ​Vol. 18. Issue 11. p. 1-38.