Do you think we put too much emphasis on relationships?

[JoonT]

Before I get flamed, I'm not staring an "aren't men awful" thread, nor am I bitter, or against relationships.

I ask because this weekend I'm going to a 40th birthday party. The woman who is turning 40 is single and has never had a relationship, yet she's one of the happiest, most sociable people I know. Behind her back, people are constantly shaking their heads and pitying her and saying things like "poor Sarah [not her real name], she must be so lonely" or "if only she could meet a nice guy," or "I like Sarah, but don't you think she's a bit odd?" etc. But why? Like I said, she's one of the happiest people I know. To make it even more absurd, one of the people who constantly pities her takes Prozac in order to cope with her shit marriage!!

Do you think we still put too much emphasis on relationships? And why? Also, do you think it's changing? So far as I can tell, the young seem more interested in money, career and travel.

Yes, that's been my experience too @pixie5121 they are interested as anything before you start a sexual relationship, but once that's in the bag I feel that slowly I don't get the attention I give them. I then I get bored of them, dump, rinse and repeat. I would like to date someone who is interested in me and doesn't just view me as a prop. I don't view them as a prop for my life so it feels very one-sided and not worth my precious time and energy.

The OP is 100% right.

My own sister will not come to visit me without her husband. This infuriates me because it was not like this when we were younger. We usually get together every weekend, but every now and then she will say they cannot come because my bil is working. I dare not ask her why she does not come alone. Very frustrating.

iam It's odd that you feel you 'dare not ask your own sister to visit without her DH' ... surely you can say something like 'sorry that name is working, why don't you come round for a coffee and a catch up whilst he's at work' ... and just see what she says?