My late hubby and I were nerdy hippies. We decided to marry in the late 70’s for the wrong reason (our landlady would not rent to unmarried couples) but it was a good decision and we both knew we were “long term.” He recently passed away after a long illness he fought for two decades. As I age, I am not inclined to remarry. At least for now. There are huge benefits and rewards to marriage but also a variety of personal and financial costs to that legally binding commitment. To be honest I have begun taking a very long run view — I am seeing life-extension techniques and medical advances improving rapidly — and I want to preserve my economic resources in order to support my own potential longevity. I realize that sounds harsh but as I march toward old age and death, I do so with the much resistance and defiance. I cannot say that my outlook is shared by most people, but it does seem that many today, both young and old, think they will live much longer and, someday - indefinitely (i.e. “forever,” barring the odd accident with a big-rig), and so are taking a ‘longer view’ that may be shifting their focus from quickly snagging a spouse and starting a family in their 20s and 30s, toward longer term self investment and self development. [In other words, online porn and gold-digger divorcees are not necessarily the only causal forces at work, here, despite a book by a “sociologist” - whatever THAT is. (As an economist, I’m professionally obligated to make fun of that other discipline.)]
Certainly, sharing household expenses and daily living tasks with someone to whom you are legally committed in marriage can facilitate this personal goal but such jointly shared responsibilities can redound in the opposite direction as well (unfortunately). Though with a Ph.D., I won’t declare I’m a Leftist/feminist but I will say I’m glad to be able to access more opportunities and options (whether remarried or single) over time thanks to an education past high school. The institution of marriage remains absolutely essential and central to successful families, however, and ensures children will enjoy consistent, jointly-provided role modeling and irreplaceable moral and emotional support as they grow. Just my two cents.
There’s nothing wrong with being single - especially if you think it’s going to benefit you financially. And, after all, you had one good, long-term relationship - which is better than most of the guys writing here can say!