How to Accept Not Being Married

American culture is filled with images of couples as the ultimate indicator of happiness, and it is easy to internalize that message. Women especially face societal pressure to marry and often feel guilt or failure if they don't. While these feelings are understandable given the amount of romantic messages, it is easy to forget that romantic coupling is not the only road to happiness and doesn't reflect the statistics available or have historical basis. When these facts are taken into account, it is easier to accept one's life as it is and work on filling it with meaning through work, volunteering and friends.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the facts. Although society shows women as more eager to marry than men, studies have shown that women are happier when single than married, according a study conducted by Blaine Fowers, which was published in the journal "Sex Roles" in 1991. In addition, women initiate two-thirds of divorces, Dr. Bill Doherty said on the University of Minnesota website. It is clear from these statistics that being single can make people just as happy, if not happier, than those who are married. Remembering that your life is not deficient is important in accepting your life as it is now.

• 2

  Work on your self-acceptance. This means validating all aspects of your life, even those parts that you don't necessarily like. The key to this is to be as compassionate to yourself as you would be to everyone else in the world and to view your life with understanding and forgive its faults.

• 3

  Recognize that throughout history couples generally were not supposed to provide each other with as much social support as is now expected, according to the website of Bella DePaulo, Ph.D., who has researched singleness. Instead, friends and family took a larger role in an individuals well-rounded life. Keep that in mind and cultivate your friendships; make them a central part in your life. Being single doesn't have to mean being alone. In fact, it can be the exact opposite.

• 4

  Find meaning in activities outside of a relationship, such as your career, hobbies or volunteering. Making your life meaningful can increase your sense of purpose as an individual and help you realize the potential for happiness in your life.