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Single Life. “Married & Single Life” Chapters 17 & 18. The Status of Singles. Very few of us go without being single at some point or another Some are single for a short time, a long time, or all of their life A person without a partner may be never-married, separated, divorced, or widowed.
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Single Life “Married & Single Life” Chapters 17 & 18
The Status of Singles • Very few of us go without being single at some point or another • Some are single for a short time, a long time, or all of their life • A person without a partner may be never-married, separated, divorced, or widowed
Why Single? • Some people choose single hood, others are single for a variety of reasons. • Exciting • Sense of freedom • Lack of responsibility • Career opportunities • New conditions for women • Delayed Marriage • Divorce • Emotional pain • Finding a partner • Family ties • Widows and Widowers • Elderly
Patterns for Single Living • The most obvious single living pattern is living alone. Many singles do live with others for economic, social, and emotional needs. • Living situations for singles include: • Living alone • Living with family • Sharing with roommates • Cohabitating
Cohabitating: A New Trend? • Cohabitating- Two individuals decide to live together as a couple without commitment to a marriage contract. • Reasons include: • Some couples also believe it will be easier to end the relationship with a live-in partner than with a marriage partner. • This is NOT the case! A large percentage of those choosing to live together end up separating. Most say that it is just as painful and difficult as going through a divorce. • No marriage= No legal contract to protect partners once the relationship ends.
Cohabitating: A New Trend? (Cont’d) • Couples who live together and later choose to marry have a higher divorce rate than married couples who do not live together before marriage. • Lower level of commitment • Many are pressured by families who do not approve of living together before marriage into getting married. • Unplanned pregnancy • Despite the statistics, it is becoming more accepted and more common to live together before marriage
Inaccurate Labels • The image of singlehood has changed greatly in the past few years. • Stereotypes of singles include: • “Risky or promiscuous” lifestyle • Homosexual • Lonely • Self-centered • Some singles are happy and fulfilled with single life. Who are we to judge?
Managing Single Life • Life as a single can be challenging. This depends on whether or not someone is single by choice or by circumstance. • Singlehood concerns include: • Financial planning • Housing • Safety • Health diet • Developing relationships • The desire for children
Singlehood Concerns • Financial Planning • Married people should ask, “Am I prepared financially for single life in the case that my situation changes?” • Single people should ask, “Can I share and adjust my finances if my situation should change?” • Lesson learned…Be RESPONSIBLE with your finances, no matter your situation. • Housing • Very expensive and difficult to cover with one income • Managing a home alone can be very difficult
Singlehood Concerns (Cont’d) • Safety • Living alone can be scary sometimes • A secured building can bring peace of mind to singles • Apartment buildings with locked exterior doors and intercoms • Follow safety tips such as not walking alone, carry I.D., park in well-lighted areas, etc. • Healthy Diet • Many singles lead a busy life and eat on-the-go • Cooking small quantities may feel like a waste of time • Cook ahead and freeze or store leftovers, invite friends over to eat, etc.
Singlehood Concerns (Cont’d) • Developing Relationships • When single, you have a CHOICE to be lonely or to view your singlehood as rewarding and challenging • Loneliness and being alone are NOT the same thing! • Meet new people and form relationships, even if they aren’t “intimate.” • Join a club, fitness facility, or some other social networking opportunity • Desire for Children • Foster, adopt, volunteer
Special Single Situations • Managing as a single in the family home • Singles who never move out of their family or origin’s home, or who move out and return. • New rules are needed! This person is no longer a child! • Managing shared living • Set rules, responsibilities, establish how costs will be covered, respect each other and each other’s belongings and space. • Choose roommates carefully! • Managing as a single parent • Very difficult. • A “juggling” act. Balance is KEY • Seek support of family, friends, or even a support group
Developing Contentment • Be happy with where you are in life and who you are! • The “grass is NOT always greener on the other side.” • Find a situation that you truly enjoy. • Remember, you only get to go around this track one time! Make the most of it!