Marriage and the desire to be married are very common in our culture, but in recent years, singleness is on the rise. According to Psychology Today, about forty five percent of American adults were unmarried in 2017 – a record high. But a majority of these single folks are not satisfied with their relationship status. Psychology Today also reported that, according to a 2017 study, fifty eight percent of American adults who have never been married desire to be married one day. (1)

While the desire for marriage is not wrong, dissatisfaction with singleness is an issue both in the secular and the Christian world, and it is only exasperated by the expectations the culture puts on singles. Singleness is almost seen as a disease to be avoided. If you’ve been single for a long time, something must be wrong with you. And if you’re still single by your 40s, nearly all hope is lost.