Yes, I know what people say. And they might believe it. It doesn't make it true. Or at the very least, it's _true_ in a very roundabout way.

I would say culture is a big part, too. But economics is the main reason.

My parents met in the office and started dating after my father made a move. I would NEVER ask someone out at work. In today's culture this is seen as harassment and can get you fired.

There's no end of unhappy marriages, that 33% figure is not compared to anything. It means nothing on its own since the original poster was saying "it's economic" and you're saying "it's not economic".

For example, was it also 33% in the past when the economy was much worse off? Is it still 33% say during crises like a depression or hell even covid? Is it 33% saying "not the right partner" but maybe 50% saying "actually economics"? Is part of the 33% just because the partner isn't rich enough (a very pragmatic and common consideration despite the stigma).

the data simply disagrees. 100 years ago things were much, much worse, yet people had more kids. people can cope all they want but their complaints don't align with reality and all measurements which indicate that more developed countries have fewer kids, not more. though i know that admitting one is selfish isn't something most want to do, so i definitely get why people rationalize it by other reasons.