To offer a little context, I am not someone who has ever done things the "right," or "normal" way. It doesn't matter if it's school, career, relationships, what

To offer a little context, I am not someone who has ever done things the "right," or "normal" way. It doesn't matter if it's school, career, relationships, whatever, I have always done things that feel right to me for me. I am 38 and I have been married for ~2.5 years, no kids. Marriage was never a priority, nor were children. Getting married for societal acceptance, or FOMO are not good reasons. Marriage has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Before I was married I would ask people why they got married, or what was great about it. Often the response I got was, "you won't know until you do it." Once I got married my response was the same. Now, I think I understand that it is similar to having children. In my mind, marriage is about being committed to a person in a way that I was only ever committed to myself. I always put my wife first and this is a healthy exercise. It's similar to having children in this way, children forces you, or should, to put someone else ahead of yourself. This helps by presenting new perspectives that allow us understand ourselves, our value and our position in new ways. I have said elsewhere that I think this is part of what makes us fully formed people rather than remaining entitled children. I'm not saying this is the only way, but appears to me to be a very effective method of resetting our egos and expanding our understanding - marriage and children. Furthermore, I think it's worth mentioning you don't have to give-up any of your drive, pursuits or determination to commit to another person. We are a team. I am trying to launch a startup, which is relevant for many others here. It's been a long, difficult few years. My wife has made all the difference. I am a solo founder and we are each other's support team. Most importantly the type of marriage you have is entirely up to you. My wife and I operate on a clear system of brutal honesty and communication. I think that if you put the team ahead of yourself, and your partner does the same, it's just a matter of negotiating details. We haven't been married long, and regardless of what the future holds, I have already realized more value in being married than if I had not done it. Finally, I am not selling marriage, it's not for everyone. However, I had similar thoughts at around your age and no one offered this perspective. I hope you find it helpful.