Ditching the Diamond Handcuffs: Why Marriage Isn't the Only Path to Happiness

A huge belief or idea in society is the need to be married and have kids. This idea was introduced when I was watching a show called Brooklyn 99, a show about the police station where a detective named Rosa is someone who challenges societal norms. She is bisexual and does not think that to be happy, she needs to be in a relationship. I also had an idea before that to be happy or fulfilled, you first make a career until the late 20s, then get married and have a family, or get married in the mid-20s. 

Rosa has a close-knit group of friends within the precinct who act as her chosen family. They celebrate her achievements, support her through tough times, and enjoy her company. This strong bond provides a sense of belonging. She is a highly skilled detective who takes pride in
her work. Solving cases and catching criminals brings her a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The show portrays her as confident and content in her career. Brooklyn Nine-Nine portrays Rosa as a happy and well-adjusted person. She has fulfilling relationships, and a successful career, and enjoys life on her terms. The show challenges the idea that marriage and children are necessary for happiness. 

This resonated deeply with me because I've seen the flip side of this societal expectation. My aunt, for example, gave up her dreams of becoming a doctor to get married and raise a family. While she initially loved her husband, the pressures of societal expectations and financial constraints left them feeling more like roommates than partners. Their story, alongside Rosa's, solidified my belief that happiness comes in many forms, and marriage and children shouldn't be the sole measure of a fulfilling life. 

But there are always counter-narratives of people thriving outside traditional expectations. Think about the singer, Selena Gomez, who is focused on her wildly successful music career and beauty brand Rare Beauty. Single parents like Kristen Bellbalance raising a family with fulfilling acting careers. The key seems to be finding what works for you, not following a script dictated by societal expectations. Marriage can be a source of joy for some, but it shouldn't be the sole measure of a fulfilling life. The most important thing is to define your path to happiness, whether that includes marriage and children or something entirely different. The most important thing is to define your path to happiness, whether that includes marriage and children or something entirely different.

So what about you when have you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?