Once upon a time, most marriages lasted for decades. People took their wedding vows seriously, and they did not give themselves an easy way out when problems arose. Marriage is a legally binding commitment that can have very serious repercussions if it should ever come to an end. Even still, people are thoughtlessly choosing to make their relationship legally binding instead of considering the pros of remaining legally single.
Since most marriages end in divorce, many women these days are staying legally single. A single status is not a reason to feel slighted or the least bit unhappy. It is a personal choice that has many pros. Legally single people are not necessarily lonely or sad. On the contrary, they are often very content and happy with their decision. They know the pros of maintaining financial and social independence, and they retain the freedom to choose everything from belongings to activities.
Financial Independence for the Legally Single Woman
One of the main pros of staying legally single is financial independence. Those that are not married do not have to explain their spending habits to anyone. They do not have to discuss major purchases or investments. The article entitled Why a Woman Should Maintain Financial Independence provides sound advice for legally single women as well as those bound by marriage.
The Legally Single Woman and Social Independence
Adulthood brings independence, but when a woman becomes bound by a marital commitment, that can change in the blink of an eye. Another one of the major pros of staying legally single is social independence. A socially independent woman does not have to check with her partner before getting together with friends. She does not require the approval of anyone. Not everyone married needs their partner’s permission when planning activities, but a controlling relationship is far more likely when marriage is part of the equation. Women that are legally single can easily leave when their partner turns out to be chronically unreasonable and far too controlling.
Freedom of Choice as a Legally Single Woman
Marriage is a choice, and it is not a magical solution. It is up to each individual to decide if the cons outweigh the pros before making a life changing decision. If the person that you are dating or living with is overly suspicious, controlling and/or unkind, these undesirable attributes will likely intensify after marriage. Those that are greedy and/or selfish will not likely ever marry. In that case you have nothing to fear. The subject of marriage will never arise. They want to keep it all to themselves and maintain complete control over their assets.
Unless Prince Charming comes along, remain legally single. Marriage is not a requirement for a happy life. You can save more money, maintain freedom in more ways than one, and still have a very satisfying and fulfilling life.
Source: Personal Experience as a Legally Single and Financially Independent Woman
