Now the majority population of America, the unmarried community affirms the undependent life.

I RESOLVE to think for myself rather than allow someone else to decide the course of my life. While I will remain open to wise counsel, I alone will make the final decision in significant matters. And when decisions are to be shared, I will make myself heard.

I RESOLVE to remain aware of my undependence, particularly when partnered. I will take great care to respect my partner's needs, while vigilantly protecting my own.

I RESOLVE to nurture worthwhile friendships and to be a loving friend, knowing that my undependence is enriched by relationships with people of all ages and every conceivable background. My sole requirement is that they be mutually enriching.

I RESOLVE to build commonality and understanding with the other sex, knowing they are neither alien nor enemy. I will strive to establish authentic intimacy with them that goes far beyond sexuality.

I RESOLVE to decide the patterns of my life in areas of personal development, career goals and interpersonal relationships, knowing this is not always possible.

I RESOLVE to regard my unmarried status as incidental, aware it neither defines me nor limits my contribution to the world. In the larger picture, marital status is of lesser significance than meaningful involvement.

I RESOLVE to bear with occasional loneliness, deliberately resisting the urge to flee into mindless or loveless company. Aware that marriage is no buffer against its twinges, I promise myself not to commit for the sole purpose of escaping solo life. Aloneness isn't loneliness when used to build compatibility with myself. It's reassuring to know that compatibility with oneself is the most important prerequisite for successful love partnership.

I RESOLVE to make the most of the boundless possibilities of my singleness. While its disadvantages seem to be on the whole dwindling, I will do all I can with its growing number of positives.

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