Does marriage and children equal happiness for everyone?

By the time a woman reaches the age of 30 plus, and plus.. and more plus… it’s a common expectation from society for her to be in a serious relationship of some sort, speaking of pregnancy plans, and eventually marriage. When a woman meets men or other women who have either been married or had at least one child, they can’t help but inquire about a single woman with no children having the desire for marriage and motherhood.  There’s some level of pressure for single women with no children as they get older. I would have to say that most of the pressure comes from parents and grandparents of older generations.

People are so quick to assume that living a life fulfilled according to society’s standards consists of children or at least one child and a husband. I haven’t experienced either one and I’m knocking on 40. The thought crosses my mind about having both however I tend to enjoy different levels of happiness that do not entail having a family of my own. Of course, there’s my 12 year old Shih Tzu, Sir, who is great company. I’m an only child so I thrive on my own and enjoy my own company… sometimes too much for others from what I’m told.

There are also women and men who have told me that they would love to be in my position because of the work involved in having a family. I would say these are people are simply burnt out or perhaps they were giving in to the pressure of starting a family because that’s what every adult should do. My mantra is to be happy in whatever state that I’m in be it single, married, dating with intention of marriage, with or without children. That is my priority. What are your thoughts??? Just speak on it…