Originally Posted by
shh!
Eh, I started dating in my mid-teens, and I can't say much good came of it. I am fairly certain had I waited till I was older, I would have suffered less emotional trauma and would have had a healthier sense of self before starting, and thus would have made better choices in dating partners. But the stakes are different (in general) for boys/girls, so I can see why you, being male, might have a different opinion on the ideal. In any case, I am a realist, and I know there is almost no way to stop them once the hormones kick in.
But I disagree that it is somehow "sad" if someone decides they would rather not marry. Marriage is tough, and (ideally) long-lived. It isn't for everyone, just as raising children isn't for everyone. I think it takes a great deal of responsibility and insight to recognize and admit that you just aren't cut out for it. Assuming you think it sad because of the loneliness aspect, I say that not everyone who is alone is lonely, and marriage is no guarantee that one will not suffer from loneliness.
Shh! I went through the same. Early teen relationships were traumatic, but very neccessary. Because, was it not for that trauma I wouldn't have found out all the negative aspects of my personality that needed improvement. That traumatic experience also helped me to set standards for what is the worst out there and how to adjust above that. Without having this experience many people go into a relationship blind folded and suffer even more emotional trauma later on in life (Due to social expectations for them to have "long lasting" relationships).
The "sad" part is not due to some people enjoying being single because they had experience being with other people and made a conscious choice that being single is a better alternative for them. But "sad" because these people did not have the experience and do not have the capacity of being in a relationship, they don't know what it's like and make a choice to be single because they think there is something wrong with them and noone wants them. That's a very sad situation from my point of view...
Don't cry, don't regret and don't blame
Weak find the whip, willing find freedom
Towards the sun, carry your name
In warm hands you are given
Ask the wind for the way
Uncertainty's gone, your path will unravel
Accept all as it is and do not blame
God or the Devil
~Born to Live - Mavrik~