Human beings in pairs are seen as more stable, more trustworthy and more worthy of societal approval. This myth is gradually eroding. Human beings in heterosexual pairs with genetic offspring are seen as the peak of the pyramid formed by the human species. This undeserved social status is being clung to with extended talons by religious fanatics all over the planet.
Those who see the reproduction of human beings in jeopardy when the planet is swarming with nearly 6 billion people are clearly insane. Those who intelligently choose to not reproduce should be compensated by the human species with great appreciation.
The barrier to this sane approach to human reproduction and the choices about pairing or being single is the greed of capitalist thinking, which is based on endless population expansion. Those in power rely on the maintenance of an endless pool of mindless taxpayers and unquestioning laborers.
Being single and independently functional in this capitalist plan is quite stressful and challenging. This, of course, is not the perception created by those who are rabidly invested in marriage and reproduction as a holy crusade. Those who are married with children find it difficult to appreciate the special qualities of their single friends and relations.
The single person is mobile, often well educated, sexually free of emotional chains and more likely to be open to people of varied backgrounds. Single people are used to being in friendships with paired people, as well as single people. Single people are often the caretakers of the elderly in their families. Single people actively confront loneliness and alienation in their lives by working at being socially engaged. They are less likely to be complacent and self satisfied.
My practice has included maintaining 'single consciousness' in my life while allowing myself to be committed and caring in my relationships. This is a difficult practice. It is not a static practice. It is a daily practice.
