Married life has its benefits, not the least of which is creating a
family to carry-on your lineage. But while married couples are quick to point
out the advantages of exchanging vows, single life carries its own benefits, too. Ultimately, whether or not to tie the knot is
up to you, regardless of how outsiders view your single status, but before you
take the leap, consider some of the key benefits of staying single.
Freedom of
Movement - For people who don't like to be tied down, marriage is not the best
approach to achieving happiness. Single
men and women have unlimited mobility, enabling them to pursue employment and
other far-flung opportunities, which can be limited by a partner's inability to
do the same. While couples do find
success compromising and establishing mutually beneficial living arrangements,
one partner or another always gives something up to make it happen.
If you are adventurous, anticipating extensive travel or other
frequent moves; consider staying single for the freedom and flexibility it
furnishes.
Decision-Making
Autonomy - Just as travel and residential decisions are shared between married
couples, other important considerations also require input from both sides of a
married equation. Single folks, on the
other hand, make most of their major life's decisions independently,
unencumbered by divergent opinions held by their spouses. And even minor
everyday outcomes are orchestrated with the utmost autonomy. Who, what, where and when are each decided
according to a single person's desires, rather than relying on compromises made
between a husband and wife.
Self-Actualization - Being your
best self requires flexibility and the ability to respond to shortcomings in
real-time. Too often, self-improvement
takes a back seat to the new entity created by marriage, standing in the way of
personal progress for the individuals involved.
Single life doesn't bear the same hallmarks, instead enabling selfish
pursuits, which help individuals realize their full potential at work and in
other settings. There is only room for
one at the top of Maslow's
Hierarchy of needs, so self-actualization comes more naturally to single
people, who are not pulled off-course on their way toward personal fulfillment.
Accountable to
Yourself - Marriage brings added pressure and accountability, which are not as
pronounced among single men and women.
While you probably strive for positive outcomes, regardless of your
marital status, failure takes on a different complexion when you are
accountable to your spouse. Single
people fail in business and personal life, without fear of far-reaching
consequences capable of interfering with another individual's well-being. Couples, on the other hand, are tied to the
actions of one another, each possessing the capacity to sink the ship.
Financial Independence
Being single is sometimes viewed as simply not having met the right
mate yet. But there are benefits to
staying unwed that many singles recognize.
Independence
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Author Bio: This is a guest post by Sarah Brooks from best people search. She
is a Houston
