By Miracle Owhede Iruoghene
Iruoghene
At 29, while many of her peers are planning weddings and raising children, a young entrepreneur is focused on building her business. For her, success is measured not by a wedding ring but by personal growth, financial stability, and purpose.
Her story reflects a growing belief among many young adults today: being unmarried is not a failure. In many societies, especially in Africa, marriage is often seen as a major milestone in life.
From a young age, many people are taught that growing up means settling down by getting married and raising a family.As a result, individuals who remain unmarried beyond a certain age are sometimes viewed as unsuccessful, incomplete, or even problematic.
However, the reality of modern life tells a different story: being unmarried is not a failure.
The pressure to marry often starts with family and friends asking when one plans to settle down. Questions such as, “When’s the big day?” or “Are you still single?” can become overwhelming, especially for those focused on personal goals or who simply are not ready for marriage.
Speaking with several young adults revealed varying perspectives on the issue.
A 29-year-old entrepreneur explained that she chose to focus on building her business before considering marriage. She said: “I don’t think marriage should be rushed because of age or societal expectations. I want to be emotionally, mentally, and financially prepared before making such a commitment.
Similarly, a young teacher shared her thoughts on the growing pressure many women face.
She said: “As a woman, you should be more afraid of being unprepared than being unmarried. Marriage is not a guaranteed solution to life’s challenges. If you enter into marriage without stability, skills, or direction, you may become dependent on your partner. Dependency comes with pressure and can limit your ability to make important decisions.
“A woman who has built herself emotionally, financially, and professionally enters marriage as a partner, not as someone seeking rescue. This is not about choosing money over marriage; it is about understanding that your foundation matters, your independence matters, and your growth matters. Being unmarried is not a failure.”
Another young adult, Ada, offered a more critical perspective: “Marriage is not a 100 percent guarantee against failure. Everybody knows it deep down. In some situations, marriage can even become a bad investment if the relationship is unhealthy or built on the wrong reasons.”
Experts argue that marriage is a personal decision rather than a competition. While marriage can provide companionship, support, and family life, it is not the only path to happiness or fulfillment. Many unmarried individuals lead productive, meaningful, and satisfying lives. They contribute to their communities, excel in their careers, and maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
The rise of education, career opportunities, and changing social values has also influenced how people view marriage.
Today’s generation increasingly values self-discovery, financial stability, and emotional readiness before making lifelong commitments. Consequently, many are choosing to marry later than previous generations, while others remain unmarried by choice.
Despite these changing attitudes, challenges still exist. Social stigma, cultural expectations, and stereotypes can make unmarried individuals feel isolated or judged. Some are unfairly labelled selfish, immature, or unsuccessful. Such assumptions ignore the reality that every person’s journey is unique.
Ultimately, marriage is an important institution, but it should not be treated as the sole measure of success. A person’s worth is not determined by whether they wear a wedding ring but by their character, achievements, relationships, and impact on others.
Being unmarried is not a failure. It is simply one of many life paths. Success comes in different forms, and every individual deserves the freedom to define it for themselves.
. Iruoghene is a 200 Level student of Journalism and Media Studies of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.