Let’s begin by considering why you might be pondering this question. It’s your life, and you know what you need: air, food, water, shelter, etc. But what about a life partner?
The reason this question arises is largely due to societal expectations that have persisted throughout history—think of Adam and Eve, Chandler and Monica, or Shrek and Fiona.
From a psychological perspective, this societal pressure is rooted in what social psychologists call normative social influence. This is the pressure to conform in order to be liked and accepted by others.
The media’s portrayal of idealized relationships in TV shows and movies amplifies this pressure.
In most societies, marriage or a long-term commitment is still seen as the norm. Whether it’s settling down to start a family or to travel the world, this is what many people aspire to. And even if you don’t, your great aunt probably has that aspiration for you.
The impact of media on our perception of relationships is significant. Characters like Chandler and Monica from 'Friends' or Shrek and Fiona from 'Shrek' both reflect and reinforce cultural norms about relationships.
This phenomenon, known as media cultivation, suggests that prolonged exposure to media content shapes our perceptions of social reality.
If you desire marriage, commitment, and a life partner, you likely already know that. If you’re here, you might be questioning if this path is for you and seeking reassurance that being alone is perfectly acceptable.
Fortunately, times are changing. Psychological research increasingly recognizes individual well-being and fulfillment as equally important as traditional social structures.
People now feel more empowered to choose whether they want to settle down or remain single. This shift is partly due to the growing understanding that personal happiness and mental health are just as crucial as meeting societal expectations.
# Having Someone to Depend OnThere’s a great relief in coming home at the end of the day and venting about your boss, the traffic, or the broken coffee machine. It's much nicer to vent to a person than to post your rant on Instagram Stories.
# Having Someone Need YouWe don't just want to lean on someone; we also want someone to lean on us. Knowing someone relies on you to listen, care, and be there is an indescribable feeling.
# Sharing the Good and the BadCelebrating the good times is easy, but having someone who will always be there during hard times gives you a sense of peace.
# Never Being Alone
While there's nothing inherently wrong with being alone, feeling lonely can be tough. Even though you can feel lonely with a partner, having someone to help alleviate that loneliness can be comforting.
# SecurityWhether it’s someone to support you financially, help if something goes wrong with your health, or just cuddle after a long day, feeling secure is important. If you thrive on having someone to call, having a life partner is wonderful.
# ComfortBeing with someone for the foreseeable future provides a sense of comfort. Even after dating someone for a few months, you know the feeling. You can stop worrying about every little thing and truly be yourself.
# ShorthandHaving routine and predictability is essential for many people. If you like knowing what will happen today and tomorrow, a life partner can offer that stability.
# HumorEver cracked a joke and everyone just stared blankly at you? With a life partner who knows you well, you get each other’s jokes every time. Sharing a laugh with someone you know well leads to full, knee-slapping, snorting laughter.
# TrustBeing single can be nice, but without truly knowing someone, that deep trust isn’t there. Sharing your life with someone and trusting them to come home to you, hug you, confide in you, and listen to you is what it’s all about.
# IntimacyThe closeness of having a life partner is unique. Committing yourself to someone for life creates an intimacy that can’t be replicated by a fling. It’s not about sex, passion, or urgency—it’s something indescribable.