Being married vs. being single

[Egapal]

So after a heated discussion with my parents, I've decided (planned already a few years back) that I won't get married. Mind you, I'm 17, and I might change my mind, but as of now, I'm firmly stating I'll be staying single for the rest of my life. I've been in relationships (well, teenage ones) and I can 100% say that they're not my cup of tea. I'm more kept to myself, and have a hard time expressing myself, not to mention I'm not very fond of my looks. Back to the main point(s)! I believe if you're not married (just an assumption, and based off my cousins who recently got married) you have more 'freedom' and not bound by anyone or anything (well, except the law of course). I won't have to live by anyone else rules, I'll be free to do what I want, when I want, won't have to worry about saving money for kids or another person, won't be putting up with in-laws (LOL), and I'll be able to live comfortably and be able to expand and start my hobbies. My parents on the other hand (mind you they're an arranged marriage, it was the norm in India back in the day) and they're completely opposed to such an idea. And my grandma even worse. She threatened to send my to India and get a wife and to beat me with a pan if I say such a thing again haha. Back to the point once again, my parents believe you obtain 'better morals', you're not lonely (don't really care about this, seeing as I don't have many friends, and hardly any close ones), happy and you get to sire the next generation. We've been butting heads about this topic ever since my cousin got married last year, and my uncles have even started making bets about if I'm getting married or not. Especially to another Indian, haha. I told them that race doesn't play a part in falling in love, but, I'm still a firm believer that I won't get married.

So, after all my dabbling nonsense, comes the main point(s):

-Are you going to get married or are you going to stay single?
-Do you believe that you have to be married to experience 'true happiness'?
-Do you believe getting married restricts you from doing certain things?

and there's some more, but, I can't think of it. So what's your take on the marriage topic?

There is a time and a place for everything. I got married last year after six years with my now wife. We are expecting our first child this fall. Before I met her I had a string of 6 month relationships going back to when I was your age. I am 33 now. Don't take it as an insult but you are 17. You don't know anything. Good news is that your not suppose to know anything. You are suppose to spend the rest of your life getting a clue. At nearly twice your age, I know twice as much as you. Whats two times zero? Here is my advice. You say you don't want a wife and kids. Don't stay with anyone for more than 6 months or so unless you think this is the person I want to be with forever. Life is too short to waste time with people who aren't right for you. Now you might find that you never find anyone that makes you feel like settling down is better than being single and that's OK. The key is not to settle. I can tell you that it is possible to find the person who changes your mind. So stop telling your parents you never want to settle down. Tell them you are going to wait till you find the love of your life before you do settle down. Surely they don't want to pressure you to settle.