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I think the use of the word "confirmed" (bachelor, etc.) used to be code for "homosexual," often used in obituaries!
I'm 61 and never married. I wouldn't say I miss being married (how could I) but I don't think I've been successful in relationships, the few that I've had. I think I'd like to have known someone where there was enough mutual interest to think of marriage, but I don't necessarily believe in it as a ritual. Lifelong companion, you bet. That's missing for me. The better marriages I know of are second marriages, and usually don't involve children. I only can think of two marriages that are first marriages that I envy at all, and there were no children involved.
Sure. Some people never want to get married, or even be in monogamous relationships.
As for knowing people. Far as I am aware, 2 of my aunts, who are late forties to early fifties have never been married. Had kids with different men, but no marriage though. They seem fine, and not to care. And 1 aunt has her grandchildren she cares for, so I think they're enough for her without a sex or romantic partner.
So, just depends on your own life, and what you have going on to enjoy outside of marriage.
I am in a many years long, committed relationship. I'm happy, he's happy and I don't think being legally married would make either one of us happier.
Being married (or partnered) is not a benchmark for happiness, nor always a reason for it. Single people can be happy, or not. So many other factors in life factor into one's overall sense of contentedness.
I've posted this elsewhere recently. I was single till I was in my mid 40's. Now that the new has worn off, I now realize being single was as good as being married, as far as my overall happiness is concerned. I just didn't know, because I hadn't been married.
Sure, it's nice having my sweet husband around but there are always trade offs. We're pretty happy, all in all.
But-- being married can be quite challenging. You're always negotiating over something. There are spells of peace and tranquility, then **** hits the fan. Then you're fixing that. Then there's another spell of relative peace. So on and so forth.
Summary: being married doesn't necessarily make everything better than being single. Really. Be happy now.
I've posted this elsewhere recently. I was single till I was in my mid 40's. Now that the new has worn off, I now realize being single was as good as being married, as far as my overall happiness is concerned. I just didn't know, because I hadn't been married.
Sure, it's nice having my sweet husband around but there are always trade offs. We're pretty happy, all in all.
But-- being married can be quite challenging. You're always negotiating over something. There are spells of peace and tranquility, then **** hits the fan. Then you're fixing that. Then there's another spell of relative peace. So on and so forth.
Summary: being married doesn't necessarily make everything better than being single. Really. Be happy now.
Very true.
But the two most important things my marriage has "gifted" me is my son & daughter, and from my son 2 grandsons. Sure, you can have children without being married, but I feel the "stamp" on the children is much stronger from a marriage.
I am a senior and have several friends who never married, were in relationships here and there, but are very content and happy with their lives. No one needs a man or a woman to make them happy or complete.
I honestly think I'd be happiest with a non-live-in, not-married monogamous relationship, where he preferably lives within a hour's drive. If he'll cook, that's even better. I think I'd like a permanent boyfriend, for both romance and a best friend to have my back and I have his, but not putting our senior lives together.
Think I might even have someone, a lively possibility!
Anyone can be happy as long as they're doing what they want to be doing
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