singlehood Vs a relationship.
Interesting topic that never seems to invoke some sentimental feelings.
As a single person, you have less responsibilities than you otherwise would have if you were involved in a relationship. Each person is unique and that will be the basis of incompatibilities in behavior which can sometimes be frustrating. However, being in a relationship you will have to compromise and accept the individual differences to avoid an estranged relationship. Some may view it as a loss of freedom whilst others view it as a noble cause.
Being in a relationship helps to build a person's character which he alone would find no reason to do. Living with another creature of a totally different biological and mental makeup can be quite a challenge and it is sometimes a struggle. Isn't this the basis of love?
If we look at nature, noone stays alone. So being single all your life would be less fulfilling and unnatural, wouldn't it? A look at Maslow's hierarcy of needs will see self actualisation as a need of the highest form, and how could you achieve that if you cannot love.
some may argue that being with friends or short term relationships can also achieve that. However, i feel that friendships whilst nobel is not going to be as self scarificing and nobel as being with a lifetime partner and also a family of your own. short term relationships are a waste of energy. Everyone needs to love because it is a need. To do that, you need to anchor your feelings of love to one person constantly. That is how you build it up.
I do believe that singlehood is the best way to go when you struggle to establish your career. This way you stay focused and at least you get somewhere. It will also ensure a better time for you and your partner later with less financial worries. When both of you are more established, settling down would seem appropriate because then you stay commited and focused on the idea of building a family of your own to further plant the seeds of love.
Take a look at the movie, Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. Maximus had to fight in several battles but what he desired most was not power as the Protector of Rome, but to return to his family and the farm. That is where he draws his joy. He prays, "Whisper to them that I only live to hold them again, for all else is dust and air."
As a General he could enjoy a good career with Marcus Aurelius and Commodes, but he wanted to go home to his family. At the end of the movie, he did that and he was happy.
This draws me to the same conclusion that no man is an island and love is the meaning of life. Staying single all your life is unnatural and not fulfilling. Find it with someone you truly love and admire and want to be with, and you will have the happiness which life has to offer.
