Happiness Beyond Norms: Embracing Autonomy and Intimacy

In a world where societal norms often dictate the path to happiness through relationships, the question arises whether true satisfaction and joy can be found in autonomy. On one hand, some are convinced that the pursuit of widely accepted standards is not always justified. They emphasize that life is short, and a person can fully realize their potential by focusing on personal growth and self-development without the need to conform to traditional ideas of happiness.

On the other hand, there is the opinion that rejecting marriage and close relationships may deprive a person of deep emotional experiences and the soulful closeness so valued in life's journey. This view stresses that true love and mutual understanding are key factors that help avoid loneliness and create a complete sense of fulfillment.

Thus, both positions offer convincing arguments, highlighting that the path to happiness is individual. If a person feels confident and finds strength in independence, the absence of a partner may not hinder them from enjoying life. However, if the priority is the ability to share warmth and receive support through love, forgoing close relationships may leave an inner void. The main point is to strive for what resonates with one's personal values and helps in fully experiencing life.
Can the Absence of a Partner Be a Source of True Happiness Rather Than Its Presence?
The excerpts presented reveal two different viewpoints that help us understand that the question of whether the absence of a partner can be a source of true happiness remains open and depends on personal values and one's life path.

On one side, one of the authors suggests not rushing into what is considered the norm and asks, "Is it really necessary? Life is only a brief moment. A person only grows until they are twenty-five..." (source: link ). This emphasizes that one should not chase external standards or imitate others if true happiness does not depend on having a partner. This approach implies that if a person finds satisfaction in other aspects of life, the absence of a partner does not necessarily become an obstacle to achieving genuine happiness.

On the other side, another author argues that rejecting marriage—and, by extension, close relationships—can lead down "a path of selfishness and dead ends," since it is within marriage that one can find the soulful closeness that helps avoid feelings of loneliness (source: link ). This opinion states that mutual love, where feelings are immeasurable and priceless, is essential for complete emotional and spiritual development.

In summary, the quotes demonstrate that there is no definitive answer. If a person is comfortable and finds meaning in independence and personal development, then the absence of a partner may not negatively affect their happiness. However, if the value lies in mutual love and the depth of emotional connection, then foregoing such relationships risks leaving an inner void.

Supporting citation(s):
"If we think in Christian terms, we should not rush to grab onto something that everyone has... But is it really necessary? Life is, after all, a brief moment..." (source: link )
"Rejecting marriage is a path of selfishness and dead ends. On this path, a person will never find true love and happiness..." (source: link )