Friday, February 1, 2008

Donovan chin- Singlehood

As the society progresses, people now have different attitudes towards marriage. In the case of Singapore, while marriages in the past were arranged and people had no say in who they married , now with greater freedom, more people are choosing to remain single.

But are all singles unhappy?Views are divided on this.

When one is single, it is easy to think that they will be lonely and depressed. But this is not necessarily the case. Sure, they are lonely but there are singles who are just as happy the way they are. Singles have their own financial independence and can buy what they want and spend their money as they please. They also get to enjoy more freedom and can pursue career opportunities without being constrained by marriage and children. Children can be a burden as the free time and money of adults is spent on caring for the child. The parents also have to worry about their child when he or she is sick or on how their child is doing in school. Being single frees them of such worries. Being single also saves them from the occasional domestic quarrels with not just between husband and wife, but with the in-laws as well. Some singles would have heard from their friends who are married complain about how difficult life is with having to care for children or facing their in-laws. Upon hearing these experiences, singles will definitely feel proud of their status.

But being lonely can be a downside. While children can be a burden, they can also bring joy and having a family adds meaning and purpose to one's life. There are also many couples who happily spend leisure time with their children. Just think, when the parents are coming back for work, there is always someone waiting for them. Being married and being able to love can be better than leading a single life.

So singles are indeed happy with their lifestyle. But at the end of the day, single or not, it all depends on the individual's opinion.