Are there more single parents nowadays?

[poshsinglemum]

Than in our parents' generation and if so, why?

I blame lots of ''free love'' for my own situation!

Sorry still contemplating HerBeautitudes list on dating deal breaker thread did half those things even exist in our parents generation ?

Yes. Because it's far more acceptable 1. for a man to walk away
and 2, for a woman to have a baby from a casual encounter. There is also the benefits system to pick up the slack, and much less shame attatched. I think these are all good things fwiw, the thing that angers me tbh is the lack of responsibility felt by the absent parent in so many cases.
Fwiw, My mum is only just 53, she was a single parent in the 80s when me and my brothers were born and my dad walked out on her. For her, she really felt a social pariah and judged. NOw, I'm the single parent, and I have to say I don't feel that judgement, at least from noone but the Daily Mail brigade.

No-I guess not! There are som ereal corkers. Mabe we are too fussy or rather; mabe we all have higher standards which isn't a bad thing.

My parents stuck together through thick and thin and even though at times they didn't get on watching my dad look after mum who has cancer is so touching and makes me hope that I can have someone like my dad. They are like a couple of teenagers again. So cute!

I feel judged and I feel ashamed and proud in equal measure. But only ashamed that I have such poor judgement in men!

I feel proud that I'm doing a hard job alone quite well if I say so myself.

my parents stuck together through the thick and thin too.Mum even took him back after he walked out once. I really wished they'd split up. Even now he's mum's carer the animosity between them is always there.

I was married 10yrs before I became a single mum. I don't get too much judgement - although the neighbours aren't keen on me.........

I agree with Boo and also that is easier to part.

Personally, I think the more we date, the higher our expectations become.

Also, marriages were practically arranged for many up to the Victorian era so there was the family to consider.

Yes - there are I think. And it's a very interesting debate.

Strangely enough I was chatting to my Nan today on the phone (aged 87) as I have just split up with my partner. I asked her very similar questions; why don't relationships last..what the secret to a long sustainable partnership etc. She is a lovely supportive person and I absolutely adore her so it was easy to talk to her about these issues.

She said that people did work harder in those days. She didn't actually go into specifics regarding her relationship with my grandad (which was a very happy and compatible partnership), but she did say that if there was any criticism from your partner, then just shake it off and ignore it & do your own thing! (something I'm not very good at!), but she has always maintained that a kind man that helps out with everything (children and so on) is so important. Wise words, bless her.