In a modern age, being single is no longer a life stage but a state of being, relished by thriving solo communities around the world.

Despite this, we still tend to put marriage on a pedestal. Getting wed equals radiant couples searching for wild flower arrangements on Pinterest, or marking the #5years mark with tasteful black and white snaps on Insta.

More than a milestone, it’s an entrenched cultural value – one that lands squarely in the same breath as lifetime happiness.

Even today, people who don’t put a ring on it can feel left out; like they’ve eluded that lottery ticket marked “happily ever after”. But is there really any truth to this ingrained belief?