2006-11-02 01:29:11 · 15 answers · asked by me2k4 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
I had never wanted anything more than to have children and be married someday. I did a lot of great things before I settled down, and really have no regrets! But here's the cold hard truth people! Marriage and children, while they can be very fulfilling and bring a lot of happiness,....more times than not it is a lot of hard work and responsibility like you have never experienced in your life!! I still have days where I wonder why I ever wanted such a thing....and wonder what the people who didn't really want it must feel!? But, I also have days where I couldn't imagine doing anything else, and I know that my life would never be the same with out them! The thing that is most scarry about being a parent and a spouse is being resposible for the well being of other's, besides yourself.....putting their needs before your own, and the realization the your heart will forever be walking around outside of your body.. With great gain...there is also much to lose! It can leave you feeling very vulnerable sometimes! But the bottom line as it all pertains to individual happiness is this.....Happiness is a state of mind.. No one is ever in a happy state of mind 100% of the time.....but if the state you are in leaves you feeling pretty happy a majority of the time, then you're good! It's not for everybody, and that's okay. Different strokes for different folks! Don't feel the need to conform to societies standards of what happiness is, because it's different for everyone! Only you can know, and decide what your "American Dream" is. But the original "American Dream" was and still is..."Life, Liberty and the persuit of happiness!" What ever that translates to be for you....that is your American Dream.
2006-11-02 02:15:24 · answer #1 · answered by LoveBiologist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is an advertised (and somewhat well ingrained notion thanks to t.v. and radio and magazines) notion in america. You have to determine what makes you happy. Just the so-called american dream is advertised in so many ways to make us think that this is what we 'should' want does not mean that it is what you actually want. What do you want for your life? If it is different from the so-called american drem...then so what? You have to answer to you. You have to make sure that you are happy. If what you want to do is travel and have lots of friends and be involved in volunteer work and charity instead of the so-called american dream..then so be it. No body is going to hold it against you. You have to go after what you want and what makes you happy. I am. And the so-called american dream is not. Besides..media has a way of watering down the american dream and making things seem so rosy and peachy happy instead of facing the reality of the situation and what really goes on.
Besides, marirage and children are more work that most people realize. and only after it's too late do they realize just how much more work and sacrifice is involved. So before you start going after that so-called american dream...please take some time to consider and think about what it will actually take to make it work and grow and thrive (weather it be marriage and children or marriage or children).
2006-11-02 10:18:04 · answer #2 · answered by cfalways 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When one thinks of the American dream, they often think of the wife/husband, two kids, and the house with the white picket fence. That is a societal dream, but not the dream of most Americans. Your dreams are the things that would make you most happy in life. Some people dream of having children, some dream of living single their entire lives. Most of us discover our dreams as we take this journey we call life. Do not live your life to achieve someone else's perception of happiness. Find the dreams that make you happy, and achieve them.
2006-11-02 09:36:24 · answer #3 · answered by Bill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't take marriage and/or children to be happy. Some people are happier single or without children. All depends on the person and what they want out of life.
2006-11-02 09:36:58 · answer #4 · answered by stephanne1978 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happiness has to come from within. If marriage and children happens, it is a wonderful thing, but one has to be happy with ones self first.
2006-11-02 10:07:46 · answer #5 · answered by angeleyes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The American Dream is being able to achieve the things you want in life
2006-11-02 09:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by classy&sassy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say being happy every one does not want kids or be in a marriage
2006-11-02 09:40:27 · answer #7 · answered by C live 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never been married and ive never been happy so i tend to think marriage and children is what is missing and what will make me happy but im sure its not
2006-11-02 09:32:04 · answer #8 · answered by grace07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me, being happy is a family, and my family makes me very happy. A great wife, and 2 handsome grown boys.
2006-11-02 09:32:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being who you want to be is being happy, not being married or single. If you are happy being single and childless, then you are a success in God's eyes. If you have to be married to be happy, then get married.
2006-11-03 04:16:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋