Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Rush Getting Married or Having Kids
By RJ Lyn
March 28, 2021
“Uy, kanus-a man ka magminyo?” “Wala paka maburos?” “Huy, 30 na ka hapit naka molapas sa kalendaryo!” “Si kuan nalang minyoe, choosy-choosy paka tigulang na kaayo ka!” “Pagminyo na uy!” “Nganong wa pa man ka maburos?”
These statements are all too familiar and I couldn’t keep count of how many times I’ve been asked about when I’m getting married or when I’m going to get pregnant.
I know some people mean well but oftentimes, this creates unnecessary anxiety to some. Some people will even skip family reunions because they’ve had enough of these questions from their relatives.
This societal pressure is experienced by mostly women in the late 20s and early 30s, I know because I’m one of them.
I chose a life that made me happy and fulfilled yet not the typical road that society deemed usual and appropriate.
It seems that the life cycle people expect you to live is like this: go to school, find a good job after graduating, get married and have kids.
And I admire those who followed this because I know it isn’t easy. But then there are people like me.
Working online, traveling whenever she can and took the path less travelled.
I remember telling someone before that I am single not because I lack options or no one was good enough, I chose to be single because I honestly enjoyed the freedom of doing things on my own and be able to live an independent life.
I spent most of my days traveling alone and it has done me a lot of good. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me how to be responsible of myself and how I was capable of making things happen.
Here’s a Sneak Peek of a few of my travels over the years
As a bookworm, one of my dreams was to visit the most beautiful library in the world, Strahov Library in Prague. Sadly, it was closed while I was there. So I ended up touring other parts of Prague and it didn’t disappoint.
My ultimate travel destination was Paris and I’m glad I was able to visit it in 2018 with my sister and brother ♥️
My number one dream was to be able to see snow in person and experience Winter. And I did it in 2014 in Finland. This picture was my second Winter in Europe (Poland). Easily one of my favourite countries!
Australia will always have a soft spot for me. I loved it there so much. Plus the food was just amazing! The best Avocados I’ve ever had.
I’m not sporty but this is something I can definitely do every day 😅 First time trying Nordic Walking 🤗
I wasn’t traveling alone during this trip as I went to Australia with my brother but I did stay longer than him and got to visit a lot of places.
Reminder from Kuala Lumpur☝🏻
Would never forget the Desert Safari experience in Dubai where I screamed the loudest scream I have ever screamed in my entire life. 🤣 And I did it twice. Alone at first during my first trip to Dubai then second time with my sister.
Cambodia will always be special to me because I’ve lived there for almost 7 months and have visited it a couple of times.
My view for weeks while working 💙 Panglao Island is definitely one of my favourite islands in the Philippines. Stayed there for a week and a half. How I miss traveling 😭
At Himeiji Castle in Japan with my Mama and Papa 🤗 I love traveling alone but I also enjoy traveling with my family.
Can’t beat a day in the beach. I’d live near the beach if I could. Now that’s my too-happy face 😅
Here’s me swimming with the Whale Sharks in Oslob. I was really pushing myself in more ways than one during this trip because I’m not only afraid of deep waters, I’m scared of diving and I am not a good swimmer. 🤣
I love visiting Museums, Zoos, Libraries and Art Exhibits whenever I travel and this particular one in Yogyakarta, Indonesia was amazing. So many illusions! This is an actual pic, the books are gigantic 🤣
I’m a foodie by blood and heart so traveling wouldn’t be complete without trying out something new! This was at LeVel 33 in Singapore where we had a layover from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne. I’m so happy to have a foodie brother and sister!
Airports have been my office for the past years that I was traveling and Changi Airport is one of the best, if not the best airport I’ve been to. ♥️
First night in Krakow. It was too cold I had to wear my Parka even inside 😅 It was during this trip that I realized that I’m ready to slow down in traveling.
I’m so grateful I didn’t get pressured into marrying early because if I did, I know I’d be unhappy not being able to fulfill my goals as a single woman or not having pushed myself and discover what it is that I truly want.
The road can be lonely, yes, but it can be so much fun too. When you’re single, you get to practice making decisions on your own. You learn things you never learn when you’re with someone. You get to have time for yourself and trust me, it can be so fulfilling.
These might be the reasons why I enjoyed my time alone because I was able to push myself to do the things that scares me, to know what makes me happy, to get to know myself better and learn how to decide on my own.
But there are so many reasons why women chose and still choose to continue to stay single.
Ask someone, without judging, why they’re single, you might be surprised of their answer.