For first time, unmarried households reign in US

[sweeps]

It is by no means dead, but for the first time, a new survey has shown that traditional marriage has ceased to be the preferred living arrangement in the majority of US households.

Full story

What do you think? Is this good news, bad news, or a non-issue?

[pearlieq]

Non-issue, of course.

As long as it doesn't affect me, what do I care?

[sakigt]

Pff. It affects EVERYONE if you think about it.

Heath insurance: family plans vs two single plans
Home ownership: 2 people with one mortgage vs two mortgages

The list could go on...

[pearlieq]

Originally Posted by sakigt

Pff. It affects EVERYONE if you think about it.

The sandwich I had for lunch today could affect EVERYONE if you thought about it long enough.

Our society is kind of at an odd place, demographically. Many of our parents and grandparents are heading into retirement. Many are more likely to become divorced or widowed as they get older. Many of the boomers' kids are just starting out--more likely to be living together than married with kids yet.

I don't see this new demographic trend as alarming--just a reflection of where our society is right now.

[Ima saver]

I could not imagine ever being single! I think i was single for about 5 weeks, once!!

[tabbycat31]

I have yet to have a man that I've been serious with (a few casual flings, but none have worked out). And at about the age of 16, I told myself that I wouldnt be married until I was closer to 30. That is normal in my area, however if I went to a more conservative, rural area, people are more likely to be married by the time they are my age (26), and perhaps have families.

I guess it depends on where you are from too..... I have no married friends.

[Bookie]

Some of the happiest people I've known have been married -- not to one another, of course.

[Ima saver]

Well I have been happily married for almost 30 years. I would be lost without my dh.

[Automated by GetSmile]

[kashi]

Interesting article. It makes me happy, personally, since I am unmarried, have no inclination to get married, and have been happily living with my SO for years!

I'm glad I have the freedom to live my life the way I choose. :

[Ima saver]

Oh, if i was living with a SO, I would be happy. I just don't think I could live alone.

[JoyJoy]

Bad news. My view is from a religious standpoint. I do believe in the Book of the Law (The Bible) that marriage is sanctioned and sacred to God. I feel SOME people tend to do better in life when they are committed to one another. (Some will never be committed no matter if they are single or married). Just like tithing, things just seem to work out better when one follows the principles in the Bible.

I do enjoy the benefits of marriage.

My 2 cents worth.

[Diolla]

I think it is sad. Are we so self centered we can't commit to anything but our own immediate pleasure? Marriage is just that, a committment to live not just for yourself but for another. I just see this as another indication of selfishness and immaturity in our culture.

[pearlieq]

Originally Posted by Diolla

I just see this as another indication of selfishness and immaturity in our culture.

So someone is selfish when they're widowed? Or when their spouse walks out on them? Or when haven't found the right person yet? Or when they've found someone great, and are taking the time to learn more about them before committing to marriage?

[Gruntina]

Its the choice of the person to want individualism or partnership. Some what both so maybe partly why to some coupled agree they do not need a marriage license/signed papers? (This is geared towards unmarried households of couples living together long term.)

[PRICEPLUS]

Well, I guess marriage is not for everyone. It is for me though! I guess we'll have to wait and see how things play out in the future to really know what effect if any this situation causes.

[shengmei]

Originally Posted by JoyJoy

Bad news. My view is from a religious standpoint. I do believe in the Book of the Law (The Bible) that marriage is sanctioned and sacred to God. I feel SOME people tend to do better in life when they are committed to one another. (Some will never be committed no matter if they are single or married). Just like tithing, things just seem to work out better when one follows the principles in the Bible.

I do enjoy the benefits of marriage.

My 2 cents worth.

Same here.

Personally, through....I don't really concern myself with issues such as homosexuality. The only thing I can think of right now that concerns me is single parenthood. I don't know about most people, but I find the desperation of some single mothers somewhat scary. I hope you guys don't hate me for that.

[kimiko]

Non-issue here too

But I expect a lot of changes though. With the increasing number of cohabiting households, there will be new laws to ensure that they receive similar benefits to married households. Secularly speaking, a marriage license does nothing except providing financial incentives. Heck, there isn't even a uniform law regarding marriage in this nation, it varies from state to state. Religiously speaking, this nation is diverse enough to have many religions with different definitions of marriage and not all of them involve a marriage license.

[kimiko]

Speaking of family, everyone in here use DH, DD, DW, etc... to describe their family members. What's with the D?

[Broken Arrow]

"Darling" or "Dear".

Personally, I think "Darned" is funnier.

[kimiko]

lol, thanks