In 2005, 51 percent of women said they were living without a spouse. That's a slight rise from 49 percent who said the same in 2000.
Fifty years ago, there were bad marriages, but more often than not, people stuck them out.
Ray Crosby doesn't believe women are pickier these days.
"Smarter," she said.
Like 26-year-old Stephanie Babic, who took her time before getting engaged to Mr. Right.
"I had a pretty good career going myself and I was living alone. I was content being alone, but as I got older I realized that I didn't want to grow old by myself," she said.
Professor Shoshana Grossbard has helped write two books on marriage, and offers an explanation for why women are willing to go it alone.
"People marry later, and they live longer as widows and widowers," Grossbard said.
Like Charlotte Unkefer, a widow who won't wed again.
"I have a boyfriend, but I'm not planning on remarrying. Been there, done that," she said.
And then there are those who want to marry, but not until they meet a man with everything.
At 19 years old, Charlotte Hinders has too much to accomplish to get married.
"I don’t have a college degree, I don't have a Master's, I don't own a house," she said.
She doesn't want to get divorced, because even experts in the field can falter.
"Yes, I'm divorced myself," Grossbard said.
Professor Grossbard has made a study of being single as well, and has advice for singles.
"If you have any viewers in their 50s who are reading this and think should I stay in my lousy marriage or not, I would encourage them to quit because it's not bad out there," she said.
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