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What should a single woman do if she doesn't like getting married and having children and is afraid of growing old alone?

single woman marriage aversion childlessness aging anxiety dependency concerns
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What should a single woman do if she doesn't like getting married and having children and is afraid of growing old alone? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I am a single woman who doesn't like to get married and have children. I like living alone.

But I'm afraid of growing old alone after my parents pass away. For example, intellectual deterioration, blindness, deafness, paralysis, Alzheimer's disease, etc.

I have lost the ability to spend money, and there is no one I can trust around me to help me. So I am always anxious and afraid that my old age will be miserable.

But getting married or having children just for old age is not an option for me.

Nathan Richard Green Nathan Richard Green A total of 5452 people have been helped

Hello, I'm Teacher Yuxin. The topic of being single has become more and more common over the years. I think you've spoken for many people about something they're also worried about. I hope my thoughts can provide you with new ideas.

It seems like you're pretty sure about your future: you're going to stay single and have a rough old age. Because of that, you're feeling afraid and worried, and you're doubting your own choices. I'm curious about what's driving you to choose to live a single life.

Given that you're afraid of the future, I have a theory: you chose to remain single because you're afraid of having a partner and children. Fear has its meaning, and I don't want to change your choice. I just think that if you're more aware of why you choose to live alone and what it gives you, you might be willing to take on the responsibilities and costs that come with it.

You're also pretty sure that old age is a miserable experience. From a practical standpoint, you probably have a better understanding than I do of how elderly people living alone cope with difficulties, such as by sharing an apartment.

It's impossible to know what solutions will emerge in the next few decades. But, more importantly, at the psychological level, it's your acceptance of the idea that "old age will be miserable."

This identity may have been shaped by the influence of older family members, your parents' fear of aging and death, a sense of loss you experienced as a child that you haven't processed, or an experience you had when you were vulnerable and helpless that has shaped your attitude toward vulnerability and helplessness.

Finally, let's talk about fear. You're afraid that the future will be miserable, and this is called anxiety.

Anxiety gives you a sense of control, and when you're anxious, it can make it seem like you've already dealt with something even if it hasn't happened yet. So, people tend to be anxious about things that haven't happened yet or can't be solved, like imaginary things or future events.

I hope you can try to connect with your heart, understand your needs, focus on the present, and embrace a sense of truly living. This feeling can help us face aging and death with courage.

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Leopoldine Leopoldine A total of 5236 people have been helped

Hello!

You're worried about getting old and having kids. You're confused. Give yourself a hug!

Explore your reasons for not wanting to get married and have children.

Most people get married and have children. It's natural. You may have different reasons for your choices, related to upbringing, experiences, and status.

It's good to be able to decide what kind of life you want. But think about what your choices mean and if you're ready for them. Not getting married and having kids might mean a lonely old age. Think about what your choices mean before you act. Then you'll have a life you won't regret.

Be firm, but don't be paranoid. Be more accepting.

Not wanting to get married and have children may just be your current thoughts and choices. People's thoughts change as they grow older and as their surroundings change.

You can accept your thoughts now, live as a single person, and have a happy life. There are infinite possibilities and solutions.

Thinking about old age with problems like dementia, blindness, deafness, paralysis, and loneliness can make us feel anxious about death.

These are also part of life. Many people have to go through this, and we cannot choose.

We can build up resources to cope with risks. One way is to get married and have children. But there are other ways. For example, save money for old age. Build relationships with friends and family. Do good things to help others.

As society ages, care for the elderly is improving. They are responding to possible consequences and building a positive mindset to overcome anxiety.

I hope Hongyu's reply helps. Thanks for your question!

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Isabella Clark Isabella Clark A total of 9651 people have been helped

However, it is a way of seeing the world that makes sharing a habit. I am a loner.

Is there a universally accepted standard for how one should live their life?

I respectfully disagree.

Individuals may possess disparate attitudes toward life for a multitude of reasons, including environmental factors, familial influences, and personal experiences.

Given that it is an attitude toward life, it is not possible to make a definitive assessment of someone's goodness or badness.

It is important to recognise that life is different for everyone and that attitudes vary.

Ultimately, what is best for you is what matters.

This is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a way of life.

However, this is the lifestyle you desire and the state of life that provides you with comfort.

However, at this time, this is the lifestyle you desire and it provides you with a sense of comfort.

I believe that many people strive to achieve a comfortable lifestyle.

However, the majority of us lack your expansive mindset and generosity.

This is due to the fact that we are burdened with what is often referred to as "morality" which is, in fact, far too heavy.

In other words, the majority of us are operating within a framework that is not our own. (I am no exception.)

I must admit that I envy your carefree outlook on life.

It is possible that the end will be lonely.

It is difficult to predict what the world will look like decades from now or what life will be like in that time.

It is not possible to know or guess.

Even the near future or the next second.

Even the near future or the next second.

It is impossible to predict the future.

When viewed from a distance of decades, this seems to be a rather powerless concept.

Whether you currently prefer to remain single or are inclined to start a family, as the majority of people eventually do.

This is the fundamental standard of life for the average person.

It is not possible to make a hasty determination as to which life is superior or which is inferior.

The fundamental objective is to live, be born, and live on.

The presence of people is indicative of life.

All forms of life can be considered to be life.

Please note that the following points should be considered at the conclusion of this presentation.

Life can be viewed as a series of moments.

It is not necessary to

It is essential to consume three meals a day.

It is a prerequisite to attend college.

It is essential to have a family.

I am confident that this approach will result in a happy life.

It is more beneficial to focus on living in the present and making the most of the present moment.

I believe this is a more meaningful pursuit than obsessing about what kind of person you will become.

I believe this is a more meaningful approach.

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Deirdre Deirdre A total of 5222 people have been helped

Good day, young lady. I can see the confusion you are facing, and I offer you my support.

You are experiencing some marital issues. Please accept my condolences.

If you have an aversion to marriage and childrearing, it may be a reflection of your upbringing within the family unit.

It may be the case that your perception of your parents' marriage has influenced your views on marriage in general. You may believe that marriage is an inherently challenging experience.

It is also possible that you feel your parents were not good to you during your upbringing, which may be the reason you do not want to have children.

However, is it necessarily the case that a poor marriage will result in a similarly poor marriage?

This is not necessarily the case.

It is important to recognize that a marriage should not be based on the same model of getting along with one's parents.

Furthermore, you will recognize that parenting will entail a shift in your approach, distinct from that of your own parents.

Should you require further assistance, we recommend consulting with a professional counselor.

The counselor is better equipped to adopt a third-party perspective, maintain a non-judgmental outlook, and adopt an objective attitude, thereby providing more pertinent, useful, and constructive advice.

I hope you will be able to find an effective solution to the problem you are facing soon.

I have no further suggestions at this time.

I hope my above answer is helpful and inspiring to you, the young lady. I am the respondent, and I study hard every day.

At Yixinli, we extend our best wishes to you and the world.

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Ursula Ursula A total of 8603 people have been helped

Everyone is a beacon, whether asking questions or answering them. Through words, we can and will illuminate the hearts of more people, and this is our shared energy.

Hello, I am Fei Yun, a heart exploration coach. I understand your situation. You enjoy the freedom and happiness that being single brings, but you are concerned about the possibility of ending up alone in the future.

Let's embrace each other across the distance and tackle this problem head-on.

?1. Traditional thinking makes us anxious about the future, but we can overcome this.

Ideas such as "raising children to support oneself in old age," "continuing the family line," and "it's better to marry well than to work hard" are still influencing us. Many people still believe that getting married is the standard for life, and that having children is what makes a woman complete.

It is perfectly normal for you to have such concerns.

However, with the development of society and the improvement of cultural education, people's ideas and concepts are changing. There are more and more single people (those who do not marry), DINK families, and unmarried mothers, which shows that people are pursuing independence and their own path to happiness. They are no longer bound by traditional thinking and old rules.

You can and should confront your anxiety about the future, your fear of loneliness, your desire for companionship, and your hope that someone will take care of you in your old age and in the event of illness. So, apart from getting married and having children, there are other ways to solve this problem. Take out an adequate pension and health insurance early, make advance bookings at nursing homes, and earn enough money for your retirement.

Anxiety is fear of the future. Forget your fears. They'll never come true. Focus on the present and your will and energy will follow.

Take action now to ease your future anxiety. Even a small step can make a big difference.

Bring your anxiety back to the present. The present is the time for action. This is what we mean by living in the present.

2. We will solve your confusion using the "problem-decision-action-result" cycle.

The reason for such confusion and anxiety about the future is because of an underlying assumption.

"Assumptions behind": Future care and health problems can only be solved with the companionship and care of a partner and children. This assumption makes you "take action" by looking outward, for example, seeking the protection of your parents and taking precautions by getting married and having children.

The result is therefore worrying about the future and being afraid that they will end up alone, unable to peacefully get through the present.

Beliefs determine behavior, behavior determines results, and results affect beliefs. Let's change our beliefs.

I am the master of my own life. I accept that everyone has a different life trajectory, and I am in control of my choices. I choose to be proactive and selective.

I will take positive and optimistic action in advance to prevent the possibility of "growing old alone."

The result is clear: you can live in the present, in a happy state, full of confidence and hope for the future, and become calm.

The map is not your territory. Your perception is. What we see is not necessarily the truth. There is more than one truth.

I know the above is helpful to you, and I know it helps the world. And I love you.

If you want to continue the conversation, click "Find a coach" in the upper right corner or at the bottom. I will communicate and grow with you one-on-one.

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Patrick Anderson Patrick Anderson A total of 1650 people have been helped

Good day.

As a heart exploration coach, I believe that learning is the key to personal growth and development.

From your description, I can discern a sense of inner conflict, concern, distress, and helplessness.

You have indicated a preference for remaining single and have expressed concerns about the potential challenges associated with growing old alone. I will not delve into the specifics here, but I have three pieces of advice for you:

Firstly, I recommend that you attempt to comprehend and accept your present circumstances.

This will help you to consider your options more clearly.

You have indicated that you are a single woman who does not wish to marry or have children. You have also expressed concern that, following the death of your future parents, you may find yourself living alone. It is not uncommon for individuals to have these concerns, as many people choose to marry in order to avoid living alone in their old age. Furthermore, you have stated that you do not wish to marry or have children simply for the sake of avoiding loneliness in your later years. It is understandable that you are experiencing a degree of ambivalence in this regard. It would be beneficial for you to try to understand your own thoughts and feelings on this matter. It may help to acknowledge that there is an inner self who is somewhat anxious but unsure of how to proceed. This will help to distract your mind from other concerns and prevent it from becoming overwhelmed with negative emotions.

Furthermore, allowing yourself to understand and accept yourself will facilitate change in the current situation. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is, in fact, the key to change: allowing for no change.

Secondly, I recommend that you evaluate your current situation from a rational perspective.

Rational thinking can assist in gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the surrounding reality.

To adopt a rational approach, it is essential to undertake the following three steps:

Firstly, it is important to understand that there is no inherent link between getting married or having children and feelings of loneliness.

In other words, some individuals may choose to marry or have children, yet still experience loneliness in their later years. Loneliness is a universal challenge that everyone must navigate (Irving Yalom posited the four ultimate questions: death, loneliness, freedom, and meaninglessness). There is no inherent correlation between marital status or childrearing and feelings of loneliness.

Conversely, individuals who opt to remain single may also discover methods to mitigate their inner loneliness, potentially leading to a peaceful later life.

Secondly, it is important to recognise that the status quo can be altered if one is willing to make the necessary changes.

When you take the initiative to make a subjective choice, you are more likely to be determined in your decision-making process, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or trapped by circumstances. By taking control of your choices, you can increase your confidence in the decisions you make and reduce the likelihood of experiencing regret.

The key to a fulfilling life is the ability to make informed choices.

Third, recognize that no life is without flaws, and no person is without shortcomings. Each individual has the autonomy to select a lifestyle that aligns with their personal values and goals, even if it's not without imperfections.

I would like to suggest that you focus on yourself and consider what you can do to improve your situation.

Once you have conducted a thorough analysis of your circumstances, you will be in a position to determine the optimal course of action. At this juncture, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and strive for excellence.

For example, you can inquire of yourself why you do not wish to marry or have children. Once you have identified the underlying reason, you will be in a position to make an informed decision about whether or not to marry or have children in the future. Furthermore, you will be more resolute in your decision because you will have identified the key to a more fulfilling and preferred lifestyle. Life is your own, and it is up to you to take control of it.

If you have determined that single life is an acceptable choice after careful consideration, you may wish to consider strategies for avoiding a state of loneliness. One approach is to observe the experiences of individuals who have chosen a single life and to draw insights from their experiences. This can be an effective way to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate this choice.

Additionally, information is available regarding reputable nursing homes and the care provided to their residents. A well-managed nursing home will offer a range of services, including medical care, to ensure residents' comfort and well-being.

Additionally, you can identify methods to enhance your capacity to be alone, such as pursuing other meaningful pursuits, which may mitigate your apprehension about loneliness. In essence, it is crucial to recognize that you possess the ability to positively influence the circumstances.

Once you begin taking action, the various negative emotions in your heart will naturally begin to dissipate. This is because action is often the most effective way to overcome these negative emotions.

I hope this response is helpful to you. If you would like to discuss further, please click on "Find a coach to interpret – online conversation" at the bottom of the page, and I will communicate with you one-on-one.

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Nathaniel Anderson Nathaniel Anderson A total of 3798 people have been helped

Hello. I'm going to give you a 360-degree hug.

Let me be clear: having children does not guarantee a lifetime of companionship, and not having children does not guarantee a lifetime of solitude.

You may think this is the same as saying nothing, but it's not. Every possibility has a probability of occurring.

If this probability falls on an individual, it is destiny. Last year, a saying became popular: "A single grain of dust from the age falls on one person and becomes a mountain."

In this world, uncertainty is the only certainty. Everything else is uncertain. It is like this world, except for change being constant, everything else is in flux.

That sentence sounds like a tongue twister again. Let me be clear: no one knows what the future holds, not even what will happen tomorrow.

My advice for long-term planning is simple: don't make plans. My advice for what might happen many years from now is to deal with it as it comes.

Then, focus on the present and live in the moment. Let me be clear: living in the moment does not mean that we should muddle through and take things day by day. It means doing the things you need to do every day conscientiously.

Don't make too firm a resolution, such as, "I want to be single for the rest of my life," "I don't like getting married," or "I don't like having children."

I don't know your age or why you think that way. If you're young, my advice is simple: don't get married. Instead, focus on building a close relationship and enjoying the love you have.

You're not old yet. You're still within the range of marriageable and childbearing age. Don't be in a hurry to label yourself. Give life more possibilities.

You don't have to do anything. Just stay open-minded and embrace more possibilities. Accept more uncertainty.

Don't forget to grow personally, work hard to make money, and in case you really end up alone, you'll still be a wealthy old lady. Money talks, and it always has a loud voice.

I am a Buddhist and a pessimist. I am also an optimistic and motivated counselor. And I love the world.

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Comments

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Ruby Amber If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.

I can totally understand your concerns about aging alone. It's really scary to think about losing our independence and not having someone reliable around. Perhaps you could look into building a strong community now, so you have a support network as you get older.

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Aidan Davis A well - versed person in multiple areas is a translator of knowledge, making it understandable across different contexts.

It's important to acknowledge your feelings and it's okay to want companionship without marriage or children. Have you considered adopting a pet? They can provide unconditional love and companionship. Plus, caring for a pet can give you a sense of purpose.

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Basil Miller Growth is a journey of learning to find our own unique rhythm in the symphony of life.

Your situation is quite challenging, but there are ways to prepare for the future. You might want to explore longterm care insurance or setting up a trust that can manage your finances if you're unable to do so. This way, you can ensure that you'll have some professional support when you need it.

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Miran Davis The more you work diligently, the more you leave a mark.

It's commendable that you're thinking ahead about these issues. One idea is to establish close friendships with people who share similar values. Having a circle of trusted friends can be incredibly comforting and they can potentially be there for each other in times of need.

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Hope Miller The road to success is filled with potholes of failure, but it's how you drive through them that matters.

Feeling anxious about the future is natural, but try not to let it overwhelm you. Focusing on your health and wellbeing now can make a big difference later. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and mental stimulation can help maintain your physical and cognitive abilities as you age.

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