1. “Married & Single Life”

2. The Status of Singles
Very few of us go without being single at some point or another
Some are single for a short time, a long time, or all of their life
A person without a partner may be never-married, separated, divorced, or widowed

3. Why Single?
Some people choose single hood, others are single for a variety of reasons.
Exciting
Sense of freedom
Lack of responsibility
Career opportunities
New conditions for women
Delayed Marriage
Divorce
Emotional pain
Finding a partner
Family ties
Widows and Widowers
Elderly

4. Patterns for Single Living
The most obvious single living pattern is living alone. Many singles do live with others for economic, social, and emotional needs.
Living situations for singles include:
Living alone
Living with family
Sharing with roommates
Cohabitating

5. Cohabitating: A New Trend?
Cohabitating- Two individuals decide to live together as a couple without commitment to a marriage contract.
Reasons include:
Some couples also believe it will be easier to end the relationship with a live-in partner than with a marriage partner.
This is NOT the case! A large percentage of those choosing to live together end up separating. Most say that it is just as painful and difficult as going through a divorce.
No marriage= No legal contract to protect partners once the relationship ends.

6. Cohabitating: A New Trend? (Cont’d)
Couples who live together and later choose to marry have a higher divorce rate than married couples who do not live together before marriage.
Lower level of commitment
Many are pressured by families who do not approve of living together before marriage into getting married.
Unplanned pregnancy
Despite the statistics, it is becoming more accepted and more common to live together before marriage

7. Inaccurate Labels
The image of singlehood has changed greatly in the past few years.
Stereotypes of singles include:
“Risky or promiscuous” lifestyle
Homosexual
Lonely
Self-centered
Some singles are happy and fulfilled with single life. Who are we to judge?

8. Managing Single Life
Life as a single can be challenging. This depends on whether or not someone is single by choice or by circumstance.
Singlehood concerns include:
Financial planning
Housing
Safety
Healthy diet
Developing relationships
The desire for children

9. Singlehood Concerns Financial Planning Housing
Married people should ask, “Am I prepared financially for single life in the case that my situation changes?”
Single people should ask, “Can I share and adjust my finances if my situation should change?”
Lesson learned…Be RESPONSIBLE with your finances, no matter your situation.
Housing
Very expensive and difficult to cover with one income
Managing a home alone can be very difficult

10. Singlehood Concerns (Cont’d)
Safety
Living alone can be scary sometimes
A secured building can bring peace of mind to singles
Apartment buildings with locked exterior doors and intercoms
Follow safety tips such as not walking alone, carry I.D., park in well-lighted areas, etc.
Healthy Diet
Many singles lead a busy life and eat on-the-go
Cooking small quantities may feel like a waste of time
Cook ahead and freeze or store leftovers, invite friends over to eat, etc.

11. Singlehood Concerns (Cont’d)
Developing Relationships
When single, you have a CHOICE to be lonely or to view your singlehood as rewarding and challenging
Loneliness and being alone are NOT the same thing!
Meet new people and form relationships, even if they aren’t “intimate.”
Join a club, fitness facility, or some other social networking opportunity
Desire for Children
Foster, adopt, volunteer

12. Special Single Situations
Managing as a single in the family home
Singles who never move out of their family or origin’s home, or who move out and return.
New rules are needed! This person is no longer a child!
Managing shared living
Set rules, responsibilities, establish how costs will be covered, respect each other and each other’s belongings and space.
Choose roommates carefully!
Managing as a single parent
Very difficult.
A “juggling” act. Balance is KEY
Seek support of family, friends, or even a support group

13. Developing Contentment
Be happy with where you are in life and who you are!
The “grass is NOT always greener on the other side.”
Find a situation that you truly enjoy.
Remember, you only get to go around this track one time! Make the most of it!