Now that I've reached my 40's, the question most asked of me is "Are you married?"  When I answer no, some look at me surprised, and then the inevitable response follows.  "Why not?" 

I always tell them, "It's a matter of choice." 

I realize that in this world of wedding planners and honeymoons, I am unique.  I have no children, I have no husband, I'm not planning some major wedding on a special day, and I have no boyfriend.  Does this make me weird?  No, but in some people's eyes, I appear to be a problem child.  I think that many would prefer that I be comfortably married with kids.  That's a great life for many, but for me, it's just not what I want.  Perhaps it will be someday, who knows?  But what is it about women and this notion that women my age should be married and living some "Leave it to Beaver" existence?  That's a television show, not reality.  Marriage is a beautiful thing, and that's why I'm not married.  I have a funny feeling if I had ever walked down the aisle, it would have been to satisfy society's view of who I am instead of mine.  I would love a wedding dress and a groom to wear it for, sure.  But that's one day out of my life...what about the rest of it?  Would I be able to handle a marriage?  Would I be able to contribute to what is essentially a partnership as well as a loving relationship?  There are a lot of questions I would be asking, and maybe I'll never be able to answer them fully.  I just know that I'd rather walk into a marriage with both eyes open.  It's hard enough to find a job these days much less find a good relationship. 

So does that mean I won't get married?

Of course not!  I'd love to.  Yeah, I'm a bit late, but who cares?  Society puts these interesting time constraints on our lives...graduate by this age, married by this age, kids right about this age...phew!  Why not just live and enjoy what's around us?  If I'm doing this "late" in life, then so be it.  I won't make any apologies to anyone for that.  Remember ladies, when you ask me that question, it's okay to be single in this world as well as married.  Both are good choices, it's just what you decide to do with those choices that truly matters.