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Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: September 12: Today when every thing is undergoing a sea change, right from our lifestyle to way of thinking, there are still certain conventional matters, which are under the grip of rigid views. Views on marriage that scorn singles, is one such among the lot.
Marriage protagonists firmly believe that ‘marriage is the sacred union between man and woman’ and ‘marriage completes one’s life’ and anyone who does not go for wedlock is a figure of sympathy. This criticism turns all the more severe in case of women.

Twenty-eight year old computer professional Richa Srivastav tells more about it, “My mother used to pressurize me like anything for marriage as my younger sister’s wedding was on hold because of me. But now she has stopped it since I have made her clear that I am to independent and do not like to share my privacy with anyone.” She adds more, “Now my mom has geared up for my sister’s marriage’s.” Insurance Agent Herschelle Chedda has the same story to tell. There are many like Richa and Herschelle, who are caught in the tussle between marriage and singledom.

Many people even see spinsterhood / bachelorhood as the aftermaths of a love-affair or a sacrifice made for the old and ailing parents, some even go to the extend to brand ‘singles by choice’ as the victim of homosexuality. In some cases it could be true. However, it would be wrong to generalize this as several people are opting for singledom over marriage voluntarily.

BPO executive and Koperkhairne resident Rachana Brar (26) enjoys her own company and prefers to stay single all her life. “I do not believe that I am incomplete without marriage and like to stay single. And my firm decision has taught me how to resist marriage pressure ”, says Rachana. Sexual exploitation during childhood pushed thirty-eight years old content writer Andrew Solis (not his real name) towards singledom. He says, “I did not succumb to family pressure to get married as I have made up my mind to remain a celibate through out my life and now family is also respecting my decision.”

Regardless of the orthodox opinions on marriage, singledom is on rise in both male and female domain this could be ascribed to the popularity of self-centric life, which advocates independent and carefree life. Psychologists feel that the growing friction and stress between married couples resulting in marriage breakups is the prime cause for the increase in the number of celibates.

Social Worker Prajakata Pawar feels that if one is financially independent, then it is not difficult to oppose any pressure to get married. She says, “I have not found the right guy so far and I feel it is always better to stay single rather than tying a nuptial knot with somebody just for the hake of it and by staying single I do not feel that I am missing out on anything. Fortunately my family is perfectly comfortable with my decision.”

There are numerous myths attached with singledom and out of that the most common is ‘singles live under depression, loneliness and frustration’. This is nothing but far from truth as many singles lead a normal life with their own share of ups and downs.
Upholders of singledom believe that the society should not consider singles as freaks or traumatized souls. All said and done, it is essential to accept singledom as one’s personal choice without getting judgmental.

Preeti Gupta