[SauronOfMordor]

I would like to get married but am thought to be too independent.

For a 38-yo never-married woman, "independent" most likely means

"I always want things my own way, I'm unwilling to think about what my potential partner would like, and can't stop myself from cutting guys off at the knees if they ever give an indication that perhaps I might occasionally think about what somebody else wants"

[marajade]

And what about a 38 year old never been married before man?