Why Women Shouldn't Marry: Being Single by Choice

by Cynthia S. Smith

Cynthia and Hillary Smith show how women have long been driven to marriage by fears of their own inadequacies. Today's woman no longerneeds to see herself as half of a relationship waiting for Mr. Right tocome along and put it together for her. This book is an inspiration for anywoman on the brink of giving up her independence to seek the security that the marriage has always promised but seldom provides.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This updated version of "Why Women Shouldn't Marry" by the mother/daughter team of Cyntia S. & Hillary B. Smith should be required reading for all women in high school and again in college! Far from a feminist manifesto, this book calmly and concisely lays out the reasons FOR marriage. But it goes further by exposing the WRONG reasons to marry and why 'soul-mates' and 'biological imperatives' are about the worst reasons possible to marry.

The book contains hundreds of interviews with women of all marital status. They speak honestly and bluntly about their lives, their failures, and their successes both WITH and WITHOUT a spouse or significant other.

Although happily married for 20 years, I certainly wish I had read this book as it could also be used as a handbook on what mistakes NOT to make in a marriage. Why the phrase 'He makes me happy' is illogical as being happy comes from within...not from another person.

I think the best idea in this book, while not necessarily explicitly stated, is that today a woman can be confident, secure, and established on her own. For what's really the first time in history there's no real physical, financial, or emotional NEED to marry. It's a decision that each woman must make on her own...and for the right reasons.

[Hollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn't for me. The first time I couldn't finish a book.