Hazel — what a beautifully written and well-thought-out article. Obviously I’m not a woman, but I too feel the pressure of marriage and children. I have been married, but now I question whether I ever want to marry again. I once wanted children, now I wonder whether it was really me who wanted them or whether that was simply my expression of society’s expectation.

I agree, we should be more accepting of people who want to live differently than the “average”. Marriage and children are often considered default goals for adults. It may be better if people didn’t think this way. And I agree with you that there would probably be more happy humans if we all believed we could live differently.

But, we’ve all been sold the story that happiness lies in marriage and children, and that to deviate from this path is bad for us. So, I think it follows that some people will simply not understand life outside this path.

Anyway, all the best to you, and thank you!