Guarding your mental health against societal pressure to marry

Once you hit a certain age, the pressure from friends and family to settle down becomes unbearable.

Society has a way of creating timelines for everyone and expecting everyone to live up to its expectations.

Though most people may live up to these expectations some may not and that’s totally fine.

If you've hit an age where society expects you to settle down but you are still single, here are some ways to protect your sanity against the pressures of friends and family.

1. Self-awareness: Understand your own values, goals, and desires regarding marriage. Reflect on what you want from a relationship and whether marriage aligns with those goals.

Knowing yourself and your motivations can help you make a decision that's right for you.

2. Set boundaries: Communicate your boundaries to family, friends, and society.

Let them know that you appreciate their concern but life carves a different timeline for everyone.

Be clear and assertive about your choices.

3. Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out friends and family who respect you and provide emotional support.

Building a strong support network can help you navigate societal pressure more effectively.

4. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism.

Remember that your happiness and well-being matter and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life and relationships.

5. Focus on personal growth: Use the time and energy you're not spending on a relationship to invest in personal growth, self-improvement, and pursuing your passions and interests.

This can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

6. Practice assertiveness: Develop the ability to assert yourself in a respectful and confident manner when discussing such topics with others.

Remember, you have the right to make decisions that align with your values and beliefs.

7. Develop a strong sense of identity: Build a sense of self that is independent of your relationship status.

Define yourself based on your interests, values, and achievements, rather than by whether or not you are married.

8. Cultivate a positive outlook: Focus on the benefits of being single and celebrate your independence and freedom.

Embrace the opportunities to explore, learn, and grow on your own terms.

9. Ignore social comparisons: Avoid comparing your life to the lives of others, especially on social media.

Remember that people often only share the highlights of their lives, and the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Your well-being should always be your top priority, and the decision to marry or not is a deeply personal one.

Society's expectations should not outweigh your own values and happiness.

Read Full Story