Putting too much emphasis on relationships?

[Anonymous]

Being single you feel bad not being in a relationship or that there is something wrong. However, though people are probably happier in a relationship I kinda realize the grass is greener on the other side. Does anyone feel that it is possible to put too much emphasis on being in a relationship?

[philosophersdilemma]

Hmm... Interesting question. I'd say yes and no. There are certainly great things both about being single and being in a relationship that I don't think people should disregard.

It has something to do with societal values that people put so much emphasis on relationships. Somewhere along the lines, single and taken people became divided into different groups that each pitied the other. A lot of single people I know feel like their taken friends focus too much of their time in a relationship and don't have enough time to work on themselves. My taken friends think their single friends are just unable to commit, or there's something else wrong with them that they can't find someone to be with. I guess whether or not a person places a lot of emphasis on relationship would be incredibly persuaded by the single people's opinion on taken ones.

Honestly, though, if a person started to claim that being taken is the most defining aspect of their person, I'd start to pity them and thinking that they were putting too much emphasis on their relationship, too. Otherwise, if they're just happy I think whatever emphasis present is just as good or bad as single folks place.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree, some people focus too much on being in a relationship. There are great things for both sides. Being single is a great time to have fun, develop the self and realize you can be whole on your own. Plus how can a person rush or overlook things in life? It's all important.

[Shlei3]

I think it can be. In my opinion there are perks to both sides as well as not so great things. I think people tend to let their relationships define who they are and get to the point where if they aren't in a relationship they don't feel right.

[lolfreddy]

I love the single life. I have more money, more time for myself and at night I know that I haven't let anyone down by doing or saying something. Being single is an excellent way or establishing who you are and being comfortable with yourself. Lots of people go into relationships too early and the ydont develop their own "persona", so being alone is a good way to do that.

There will always be time for relationships, frankly I think its over rated, people that make you feel bad by asking "so you dating anyone yet?" or "I never see you with a boy/girl, what's up with that" just have no idea or don't care that its OKAY to be alone.

Just catch up on things, save money and do something with your life. :)