Is Marriage a Status Symbol? (dating, women, lover, single)

[twixcookie]

My observances in real life...some tout their marriages, like their homes, cars, money, as status symbols.
Has anyone had someone married say to them "I can't imagine being single, it must be so hard."
What's with the smug married thing? Do they feel completed, accepted, or whole if they are married? Is being married a way to tell the world one is worthy?
It seems a lot of women are just out to get married, as long as it wears pants and has a wallet in it.

[Roaddog]

I think it is to some people, it seems the same people who flaunt their house, cars and money do this and they seem to do it with their children also.
I guess they are trying to make themselve feel good.

[MonaLisaVito]

Originally Posted by twixcookie

My observances in real life...some tout their marriages, like their homes, cars, money, as status symbols.
Has anyone had someone married say to them "I can't imagine being single, it must be so hard."
What's with the smug married thing? Do they feel completed, accepted, or whole if they are married? Is being married a way to tell the world one is worthy?
It seems a lot of women are just out to get married, as long as it wears pants and has a wallet in it.

I sure hope not!! I can only speak for myself, and No it is not a Status Symbol for me. My husband is my best friend, my companion and my lover - he's not my Dad - I already have one.

I dated my husband for six years before we married, we had the same goals in life, we both liked the same things, we both liked different things and gave each other the freedom to do our own hobbies on our own, we share the same morals, we share the same faith, we share the same political views, he makes me laugh harder than anyone I've ever known, we both wanted children, we both agreed that we once we got married and brought children into the picture - we would NEVER divorce! Being married for me in not about Status, it's about sharing my life with the person whom I fell in love with - the best man in the world!!

I certainly don't feel smug?? Not sure I quite understand that one. I don't feel accepted - accepted by who? At this stage and age in my life - I could give a crap what the world thinks! As far as feeling complete? maybe yes on that one - but I can live without him.

Here's the thing, I could live without my husband and go on with life just fine, I don't want to, but I certainly could do it and do it well. As far as my kids are concerned, life without them would be UNBEARABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and i mean this as if something tragic were to happen to them)

[citybythebay]

I'm single and I have friends that think it's a status symbol to be married along with what zip code they live in, how big their homes are, how many Hummers they can fit in their driveway, who has the biggest rock sitting on their hand, how many Country Clubs they belong to....the list goes on.
It's so superficial and sadly pathetic in a sense.

My married friends also constantly say to me "I could never date today, it must be so hard"....lol....I usually laugh....whatever...and then they wonder why I decline invitations to get together....Hmmmm.

[MonaLisaVito]

Originally Posted by citybythebay

I'm single and I have friends that think it's a status symbol to be married along with what zip code they live in, how big their homes are, how many Hummers they can fit in their driveway, who has the biggest rock sitting on their hand, how many Country Clubs they belong to....the list goes on.
It's so superficial and sadly pathetic in a sense. I agree Citybythebay

My married friends also constantly say to me "I could never date today, it must be so hard"....lol....I usually laugh....whatever...and then they wonder why I decline invitations to get together....Hmmmm.

Ok, after reading this I know what you mean by smug, I have a couple friends like that - I have recently distanced myself from them. Usually after a night out with them me and my husband would go home and giggle all night about it. I don't understand that crap!! I certainly don't want to live like that. I want a home I can actually afford thank you very much. I got two cars that'll be paid off in a few months (purchased them used) and don't plan on buying any new ones for a few years. Country Club?? well I belong to the 4-H club, he he, does that count?

I don't know why they say dating nowadays must be so hard?? why does everyone keep saying that??

Anyway, keep rolling your eyes at people like this - it's everywhere, just turn on MTV one night and watch that stupid show Sweet 16 (I think it's called), you want to talk about a bunch of people raising a bunch of superficial, whiny brats!! whew

[citybythebay]

Originally Posted by mjb68-19

Ok, after reading this I know what you mean by smug, I have a couple friends like that - I have recently distanced myself from them. Usually after a night out with them me and my husband would go home and giggle all night about it. I don't understand that crap!! I certainly don't want to live like that. I want a home I can actually afford thank you very much. I got two cars that'll be paid off in a few months (purchased them used) and don't plan on buying any new ones for a few years. Country Club?? well I belong to the 4-H club, he he, does that count?

I don't know why they say dating nowadays must be so hard?? why does everyone keep saying that??

Anyway, keep rolling your eyes at people like this - it's everywhere, just turn on MTV one night and watch that stupid show Sweet 16 (I think it's called), you want to talk about a bunch of people raising a bunch of superficial, whiny brats!! whew

Sometimes I can't fathom the whole thing. I mean this is my circle of friends that I grew up with and some new ones. I am so opposite than most of them.
I guess I'm the black sheep of the bunch...lol...they don't all fall into the same category...but a large percentage are pretty darn close.
It's handed down from generation to generation. So what most of them learn as to what carries importance stems from their parents.

My priorities are totally in a different direction and I have grasp as to what is important in life. And keep in mind these are people that range in age from 35 on up...

I go to these parties and leave sometimes feeling nauseated. And trust me it's not from tipping back a few too many.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by twixcookie

My observances in real life...some tout their marriages, like their homes, cars, money, as status symbols.
Has anyone had someone married say to them "I can't imagine being single, it must be so hard."
What's with the smug married thing? Do they feel completed, accepted, or whole if they are married? Is being married a way to tell the world one is worthy?
It seems a lot of women are just out to get married, as long as it wears pants and has a wallet in it.

My husband used me as a status synbol-women today have money--wow you are thinking of the 1950's...what age are you????????

[yellowsnow]

Maybe 60 years ago it was a status symbol. Not so much now! I think being single might carry more status these days.

[twixcookie]

Originally Posted by citybythebay

I'm single and I have friends that think it's a status symbol to be married along with what zip code they live in, how big their homes are, how many Hummers they can fit in their driveway, who has the biggest rock sitting on their hand, how many Country Clubs they belong to....the list goes on.
It's so superficial and sadly pathetic in a sense.

My married friends also constantly say to me "I could never date today, it must be so hard"....lol....I usually laugh....whatever...and then they wonder why I decline invitations to get together....Hmmmm.

We must have some of the same friends. I have unloaded some friends like this. I just can't be around them anymore. They have so much more than me, yet they are soooo competitive. It never stops.

[twixcookie]

Originally Posted by sunnyhelena

My husband used me as a status synbol-women today have money--wow you are thinking of the 1950's...what age are you????????

I am 137 years old.