[quote=briansd1]I live it vicariously through my brothers, cousins, and friends.

Many folks get married, not of their own free will, but because they got caught in the web of sex leading to pregnancy leading to marriage.

Some people don’t know that there’s any other way.

I mentioned my aunt who was born in 1922 before. She was ahead of her time. Never got married. Never had any children. And doesn’t regret.

She traveled the world and learned foreign languages during a time when women weren’t allowed much freedom. Actually, she did it during a time when few people got to go anywhere beyond their hometown. They could not even travel through television.

The mid 20th century was America’s golden age and there was a time when an ordinary American anywhere in the world would be treated almost like a celebrity. That time has passed.

My aunt enjoyed a full, rich life. It’s a good thing that she didn’t end up in a boring house in the then newly developed Levittowns of the American suburbs.

Your dream of the idyllic suburban life is not for everyone. I’ve lived that life before, and I know for sure that it’s not for me.[/quote]

brian, you GO! And tell your aunt for me that she is awesome!! You are absolutely correct that MANY married because their families felt they “had to.” (In case any Piggs are wondering, I was NOT among those persons.) :=] Hear shotguns, anyone?? Yes, they went off, even in the 30’s thru the 50’s. Very commonplace. The marriage was arranged early on, so no one who could “do the math” would be the wiser.

The “idyllic, boring” suburban married life raising kids (presumably “together”) is not for everyone.

Personal experience tells me that more “married folk” actually feel more trapped than “happy.” A participant in this scenario often falls into “role-playing” which may or may not be wise or in their best interest, depending on their partner’s personality and/or the type of relationship between them.

It’s refreshing to hear all points of view on this forum, brian. Thanks for posting!