Married vs. Single
I was reading an article recently that said, “Married life is better than single life.” You’ve heard that before right? The article said people in good supportive marriages:
- Are healthier and have stronger immune systems
- Experience financial stability
- Look younger and are much healthier than those who are single
- Have enjoyable sex lives
- Experience less stress
- Enjoy life more than single or unmarried counterparts
Comparing is Foolish
I don’t know about you but I know some unhealthy, financially strapped, old looking, and super stressed out people in sexless marriages who are enduring life – not enjoying it. While the jury hasn’t decided if married life is better than single life, here’s what I do know, we always lose when we play the comparison game. The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others; do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others. Galatians 6:4 (CEV)
Marriage is Not the Answer
Marriage is not the answer to a better life. Acceptance is the answer to a better life; whether single or married. I suppose married life could be better than single life and I suppose single life could be better than married life. It is what it is and they are what they are. Each has its pros and cons.
Race to the Altar
Here’s the problem with saying married life is better than single life. Many single people marry thinking their lives will be better then divorce when that is not their reality. There’s a loud conversation going on out there about why you’re not married yet as if there’s a race to the altar and we all need to be married by a certain time. That conversation needs to be quelled.
I’m Married…Now What?
I know a ton of women that want to get married for the sake of being married…to say I’m married…like it’s a goal on their checklist. OK so you’re married…now what? Do you know how to be a wife to your husband? Do you know how you will “help” him in this thing called life? Oh, you didn’t even know you were supposed to help him did you? Yea, you are. Perhaps if you were to find that out first, maybe you wouldn’t have gotten married yet.
It’s Up to You
Here’s what I want to in closing; life is what you make it, whether single or married. If your married life is not the best it can be, get to work on it. If your single life sucks, make it better. Whatever you do, don’t compare your life to others. You will come up short every time.
Something to think about…
What say you…Do you think married life is better than single life? Why? Is your life better now that you’re married? How so? Did you expect marriage to make your life better and it didn’t? Are you getting married because you think your life will be better?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with you that marriage is not the answer to a better life. There are benefits to marriage but they don’t matter if you don’t marry the right person for the right reasons. You also can not compare your life or relationship to others. What works for some marriage will not work for others.
I think that before you consider marriage, you have to examine what you will bring to the relationship rather than focusing on what the other person can do to make you happier. People think relationships will fulfill them or make them happier. It’s not the case. You have to be content with your life and be self-fulfilled.
@Marie…I agree with all of this: Before you consider marriage, you have to examine what you will bring to the relationship rather than focusing on what the other person can do to make you happier. People think relationships will fulfill them or make them happier. It’s not the case. You have to be content with your life and be self-fulfilled.
Gave me an idea for a post. Stay tuned…
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Appreciate you.
I have to agree with Marie and you. A ring does not make a relationship better or worse. The RELATIONSHIP itself is what determines its success. The love, passion and commitment of the two involved.
I have been super happy single, unhappy married and happy married. So I guess it would depend on when you asked, but the real truth depends on the situation.
My advice, don’t get married unless you can’t live without the person. Be happy with yourself and know that no one else can make you happy.
@Marina…Being happy with yourself is so important. The person that made you happy before marriage is the person responsible for your happiness in marriage. That person would be you.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Appreciate you.
Like the Faacebook relationship status says “It’s complicated.” Whether you are married or single, as John Lennon said “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” I had hopes and dreams then I was diagnosed with Lupus… most men ran the other direction when I told them. When I found one that did not leave and instead asked me to marry him, I said “yes” out of fear. Now, I am in a complicated relationship w/ my husband. Our relationship is one that I have tried repeatedly to change, but I can’t change him so I am working on changing me and my perspective because as Yvonne says “Marriage is not the answer. Acceptance is.” Here’s hoping I can find and discover acceptance while I am on the journey.
@Amanda…the serenity prayer came to mind as I read your comment. My brother also came to mind. He was in a very difficult marriage and suffered with lupus and other auto immune diseases throughout his marriage. It was very difficult. I can only imagine what you’er dealing with.
He’s no longer here to enjoy life. You are. Count your blessings and rely on Gods wisdom. He knows what he’s doing even if what he’s doing makes no sense to us.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you.
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