I think that a large part of being a “man” in the tradional sense, is being the breadwinner, or sole provider for the family. The wife runs the household and looks after the children, while the husband concentrates on making a living for his family.
Economic changes over the past 30 years have made it more difficult to support a family on one income. Keeping up what passes for a middle class lifestyle usually requires both spouses to work full time. Without a clear – cut division of labor and responsibilities, marriage just does not work as well as it used to.
A successful marriage requires a degree of self – sacrifice from both parties. Nowadays, most American men and women (myself included)are too self – centered, materialistic, and narcissistic to make it work.
Another factor is that society and culture no longer reinforce the institution of marriage the way they used to. Family and community ties have weakened, and religion has much less influence. No one looks down at you, or thinks there is something wrong with you if you are single.
As for me, I am 55, and never married. I have been in love a couple of times, and have some good female friends whom I like and respect, but have no desire to enter into a relationship with.
I have a low – stress 9 – 5 job doing something I enjoy. I like a certain amount of solitude in my life. I don’t make a lot of money, and don’t have a lot of material things, but I am debt – free. I have a lot of interests and hobbies, and enough income and time to pursue them. To be honest, I am perfectly happy. I cannot imagine being shackled to a modern American woman. There is simply nothing in it for me.
