To think people are more cynical/skeptical about relationships?

[Dappy777]

An article popped up on MSN about people who reach middle-age without having been in a serious or committed relationship. It wasn't a very interesting article in itself, but what did strike me were the comments people had left. Almost everyone wrote something like "good for them" or "I wish it was me" etc. I have noticed a big shift in my lifetime, especially among young women. The majority do still couple up, of course, but there seems to be a far, far more cynical view now. Marriage is seen more as a trap, even a source of misery, than something to aim for. Is it just me?

I was a teen in the 1990s, and most people still dreamed of the big wedding. They were also more sex-obsessed. The young seem far less interested in either sex or relationships now – far more wary and avoidant. It feels like career, money, friendship, travel, and study matter more. I'm not saying they're right wrong, I'm just curious.

I can't imagine that many young people commenting on articles on MSN? Their users are 45 plus.

So why would comments on one article on a site that no young people read be of any meaningful relationship to the state of the universe in the eyes of youth?

I think women are wising up earlier. They can have all the fun, holidays, shared homes etc without being tied legally.

I have eight nephews & nieces between 29 & 50. Only one is married. Three have small children, two with partners, one is a single mum. The other four have partners but no plans to marry or have children. In all cases, the women have careers.

Weddings just aren't a priority. Costly, stressful, and for what?

My ds18, is still very interested in sex and a relationship. Marriage or children less so.