@Freya In my youth it was common for young girls to be pushed into marriage -- any kind of marriage -- because no one wanted to be an "old maid." My mother used to paint a picture of extreme loneliness if I didn't marry. She tried to push me into marrying a selfish alcoholic because he was a "good catch" to use her term -- that is, he had a college education (uncommon in her day) and a good career. I refused and as it turned out, some years later, he was killed in an automobile accident (DUI). Left behind a widow and 2 young sons with no life insurance or money in the bank. I dodged a bullet there.
I'm still single and happy with my life. I have family and friends. And there are times when, if I want to, I can be by myself. Can't do that with a spouse and children. If people want marriage and/or an active social life, fine. But there is nothing wrong with a solitary existence. It may even be less stressful and prolong your life if you don't have to deal with people all the time.
