In our recent weekly newsletter about being single and unmarried at the age of 27, the lovely Meagan asked if she should be bothered by the fact that she's still unattached and living with her folks.
The responses to the question posed above have been nothing short of amazing, and in the spirit of sharing and encouraging other single women out there feeling pressurised into getting married, we've posted some of your responses below.
You don't need affirmation from anyone but yourself.
As far as I am concerned, a woman has the right to live her life according to her wants and her needs.
There is absolutely no need to feel doubts or question yourself because *gasp*, *shock* and *horror*, you don’t have a husband, are planning to be married or have kids.
If you are happy with the way you are living your life, why do you need affirmation from an outside source?
This outside source is merely pushing their own beliefs onto you and pressurising you into adapting the life that they think is suitable!
You know what I say?
Live your life! Celebrate the way you live your life! And enjoy your freedom and independence like the modern day woman you are!
I very definitely am!
Gillian
It's all about your happiness.
You have nothing to worry about. As long as you are happy there should be no social pressure to get hooked up, knocked up or anything in between.
I was single at your age and went through exactly the same dilemma which, in retrospect was unnecessary. The right one will come around and you will find happiness when your time is right.
As for the aunties and other nagging people, smile and politely say “when the time is right”.
Michelle
Don't be pressurised by society.
You will know when the time is right. There's no need to please others. Look around you... there are quite a few youngsters who got married early and are already heading towards the divorce courts.
You still have a few years to enjoy your life and concentrate solely on yourself. Once hubby and baby is there, it won't be possible to make that spur of the moment decisions.
Smile sweetly and tell them they'll be first to know when you're ready to settle. My son will be 30 this year, is still living at home and is single. He has a few 'lady friends' but nothing serious.
Yvonne
Let Mr. Right look for you.
You are not alone. This is the 21st century and women have fought for having to make their own decisions and choices, in their own space and time.
I am:
- 34
- single(never married)
- childless,
- live with my parents (‘cos I love to)
- have a tertiary degree
- have my own car and home
- travelled a little
- have a good job AND ...
I am loving minute of it.
Two of my younger sisters are married, one has a two-year son and the other planning to start a family. We are a close knit family and are always in contact. I don’t let me being single affect me and neither will my siblings.
The conflicting emotions will pass and it is also due to the fact that you are being reminded of it too often.
To my questioning aunts and grannies – I always say: "Mr. Right is looking for me so why should I bother looking for him"?
Lastly:
I believe that there is a time and place for everything.... and I for one, am in no hurry to get over this one.
Prabashnee
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Do you feel pressurised because of your single status? What advice would you give to others who are in the same boat?