I welcome that people are no longer marrying simply out of societal expectation. Very few are cut out for the sacrifices of marriage. But the alternatives all seem to scream materialistic loneliness. Our society exults individualistic freedoms and choices but no one seems to want the loneliness these imply.

One thing I notice about my single friends is that when approaching a relationship, everyone expects to gain materially. No one wants to sacrifice or suffer monetary loss. But loving and being loved is exposing yourself, even financially. The instincts to have family run counter to those of individual wealth accumulation. Those who remain single into their 40s become irretrievably self absorbed. Marriage and family will eventually be seen as a vocation like joining a religious order. Perhaps it is better this way in that the children we bring into the world will be truly wanted.