Is marriage the greatest achievement of life?
Indeed! Getting married is a huge moment in life that is exceptionally exciting, special, and celebration-worthy. But is it an accomplishment? Think again!
You might have noticed that people generally ask more questions about your relationship, engagement, or marriage rather than about your career, job, or any other similar accomplishments. Probably, the questions are more like “So, when are you getting engaged” or “How’s everything going with your spouse?” rather than “How’s your job going?” or “What have you been working on lately?”
Well, we can’t blame anyone for being more curious about relationship status than career, as we too have been doing the same with other women. After all, we are all taught through expertly crafted commercials and advertisements that it is of utmost importance for a woman to get a ring put on her finger.
“Married Women are definitely not solely defined by their last name.”
In the 1950s, women were primarily housewives, and getting married was typically the end goal. Back then, being a wife was what defined a woman; so it’s understood why finding your special someone was considered an accomplishment.
This is no longer the case, though. Today Women are doing much more than just finding a man.
‘Getting engaged and married is not an accomplishment.’
Ladies, before dismissing angrily understand the message that it’s 2023 now, and being popped the question is still more celebrated than the academic and professional pursuits of women. Yes, college graduations and landing a great career, and receiving wonderful promotions are all received with happiness from friends and family, but not even close to the same level of elation received when you announce that you are getting hitched.
“Perhaps it’s time for society as an integral to re-evaluate what aspect of women’s lives we put the most value on.”
There is always excitement surrounding a girl’s upcoming marriage. However, do you often wonder why the event of getting married is put on a higher pedestal than the true successes that come along with an education and career?
Women are entrepreneurs, lawyers, teachers, CEOs, inventors, designers, researchers, writers, consultants and so much more. Women are going to universities and then getting their master’s and doctorate degrees. Women are endlessly working to climb up the corporate ladder. Women are key figures in our government. Women are changing the world with their innovation.
“You don’t have to have a brain, drive, or special skill set to get married. You just have to have a willing partner.”
Think about this, getting married should never be put in a higher regard than the academic and professional successes that women work hard to attain. You don’t have to have a brain, drive, or special skill set to get married. You just have to have a willing partner. However, getting into X school, graduating with Y degree, and landing Z job does require actual hard work.
Well, that doesn’t mean there is no accomplishment in being married. But the actual Success comes into play not when the man gets down on one knee or when the couple stands at the altar and says “I do”, but when the husband and wife are able to weather through financial woes, illnesses, having kids, and the general stresses of everyday life. Staying together in an era when over 50 percent of marriages end in divorce is certainly an achievement.
Once again, retelling that getting married is absolutely a huge event, and it’s so very exciting to find your “other half.” However, the ring is no longer what defines a woman. So, be excited when your sisters, female co-workers, and best friends announce their marriage, but please be just as excited when they land the management position, get their Master’s degree, or open their own business.
Repurposed by Staff Reporter
Original by Natalie Brooke Millennial writer
