Now, being married, what are the advantages ?

• Companionship. There is always someone there to talk to, to support you, to help you, to have a conversation with, to argue with (if that's your thing)

• Regular sex. It may well be with the same person each time but it's probably better than coming home empty handed after yet another losing date.

• Finance. Married people probably don't appreciate this. They may feel they have more expenses when trying to bring up children but, hey, most of you decided to have children (it was your choice) and, let's face it, many single parents face the same problems but on their own. The tax, benefits, etc. systems favour married people.

• Social life. Just by having a partner with you, you have a social life which is not as readily available to single people. It is often easier for you to attend events and parties as these are usually more geared to couples or families rather than single people of your age.

• Longer Life (for men). Studies have shown that for men (not women), being married leads to a longer, less stressful life than staying single. Even being in a 'bad' marriage seems better for men than being single !

What about the disadvantages ?

• Loss of freedom. The money and time you have, cannot always be spent on doing what you, and you alone, might want to do.

• Arguments. If you are single, you can usually walk away from arguments and, if necessary avoid the other person (for ever if you wish) but this is not possible in a marriage.

• Changing career. If the opportunity or need arises to change your career, you have a little less freedom to choose, especially if relocation is also needed.