Being single is infinity times better than we realized, thanks to a compilation of new relationship research.
Well, kinda.
When it comes to choosing the perfect partner, societal expectations are your worst enemy.
See, society tells us to embrace gut feelings and jump into Ryan Gosling’s arms in the middle of the ocean. In reality, you’re better off analyzing everyone you date with serial killer precision. Why? Think of relationships (especially, GULP, marriage) as an investment. Good ol’ HuffPo points out that:
“If you're running a business, conventional wisdom states that you're a much more effective business owner if you study business in school, create well thought-out business plans, and analyze your business's performance diligently.”
Yet, we don’t do that in relationships. Also, we don’t try out enough models! Adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (yes, 18 is considered an adult) have sex about 112 times a year, which seems like decent exposure. However, the average American woman has only 4 sex partners in her entire life. It’s easy to get used to mediocre sex with those numbers! What happens next? Marriage, duh. The average age of a first time bride here in the US is 26, because, as HuffPo says:
“society frowns much more upon a 37-year-old single person than it does an unhappily married 37-year-old with two children.”
Now, would you feel comfortable investing in a start-up business that displayed such inexperience before going public? Probably not. Keep in mindm, the research only analyzed the sexual component of a relationship. There are a trillion other issues that might create a catastrophic match down the road.
You know, things like:
- Incompatible methods of arguing and communicating
- Disagreements on finances
- Desire for children
All of which happen to be the leading causes of divorce. Imagine all the issues each topic could create.
The research suggests that it is best to approach being single as a time of learning. If a date doesn’t go well, consider about what turned you off. Dealing with a recent breakup? Ask yourself what you was intolerable in your former partner. You don’t need to hop in bed with everyone, but be in tune with your sexual needs. Make the right investment and don’t let ANYONE (especially well-meaning, though nosy, relatives) guide your decision.
Image: http://farm1.staticflickr.com/27/43128198_5c57f7b0fa.jpg
