A/N: This is an essay I had to do for class to illustrate the advantages of being single (opposed to marriage)

“To Be Free: The Single Life”

There are obvious reasons why people choose to be married, the most obvious being because the couple is in love. Many securities also come in with the marriage package, but marriage doesn’t always equal happiness, but being single at least gives you the opportunity to seek it.

By being single a person gains fewer responsibilities. The only person you are responsible for taking care of is yourself. You don’t have to worry yourself over your spouses’ health or their financial income. The worries of having to meet your spouse’s family are also non-existent. No more having to wonder if they’ll like you or not, or about all the future family gatherings like Christmas and weddings. By not being married one is able to be free for the holidays and not obligated to meet with any other relatives, which aren’t really yours. Also, by being single there is a less chance of having children. Marriage usually equals family and if you don’t want children then being married is not the best course to take.

Also, by being single there are fewer expenses. A spouse creates an even wider range of holidays and anniversaries that usually requires a gift. Your living conditions will also be perfect for you as a single person. Not everyone is qualified or able to live with another person. You can easily own an apartment and pay for only your food, electricity, rent and other expenses from your own paycheck. No worrying over whether your spouse will be getting laid off, receive a pay cut, or simply isn’t working or making enough money for you to liver comfortably. Another plus is that you know what you buy and won’t receive any unexpected bills from items or services you yourself didn’t request.

An unmarried person also has more opportunities to travel and move around more than someone who is tied down. As long as you have the money to travel you’re free to do so and don’t have to clear it with your spouse. You also have the freedom to change locations if your job requires it or just to move if you want a change of scenery. No worries over your spouse’s job or their preference of location. You will not be held back by their family or even your own if you end up having children.

By being single it’ll be easier to choose from going to school or holding down a job since your living doesn’t have to depend on someone else or having to be worried about someone else’s well-being. As a single person you’re also able to go out with friends and other acquaintances whenever you have the time and don’t have to worry about any plans your spouse might have had or about whether you have permission to go or not. You’re able to leave your house or apartment whenever you choose to without any obligation to stay at home. Another plus is the lack of guilt for flirting with another individual when looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend. You aren’t held back by the gold ring on your finger and are able to pursue other sorts of happiness with other individuals.

Marriage is a wonderful thing to experience since it offers financial security and companionship, but the concept of marriage isn’t for everyone and if being free to travel, of not receiving any unexpected expenses, or no obligations to in-laws, then the single life is the way to go. After all, being single is being free.