That is true Perna. I think teh best answer to the question timeforsleep asked is that it depends. Each and every human being on this earth is influenced by the social norms of teh period, location, history, and personal interactions with others.

Even biological and spirituall influences related to relationships. Our society focuses too much on dating and marriage. It has been the social norm for many generations, but it was a soial construct created about romantic love and gender roles.

Many people are realizing that it is not for everybody. Society has to do away with forcing social rules too much into personal lives. Some areas need obvious regulation such as marital violence, spousal and child abuse. Other areas relating to personal preference should not be so scrutinized. Doing a research paper on Child Welfare.....I have heard so many stories about family stress brought on by society scrutinizing every move a relationship takes. Expectations and roles that people cannot live up to anymore. Low self esteem, substance abuse, suicide rates....much of it ties in with relationships and what society expects from each and every person.

Happiness comes from your own interests, your interaction with others around you and finding a sense of belonging...not everybody needs marriage or true love to have this.