Whether we’re single, have a significant other, or are somewhere in between, prying family members will inevitably ask when we’re getting married. What these people may not realize is that millennials are more disenchanted with marriage than any generation before them. It might be time to cool it with the wedding inquiries. In 2014, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 61 percent of people over 65 believed marriage should be a top priority for bettering society. In contrast, only 29 percent of Gen Y agreed. Additionally, the age at which people marry is getting older. The median age for first-time marriages is now 27.1 for men and 25.3 for women, the highest in U.S. history. It’s not just millennials who have cold feet. The U.S. Census reported that the number of couples over 50 living together without getting married rose from 1.2 million in 2000 to 2.8 million in 2010. For them, marriage could mean losing Social Security or pension benefits, so they choose love without the paperwork. It seems people of all ages are questioning whether marriage is the best idea. Here are eight totally valid reasons to never get married.

1. Marriage Is Going Out of Style

The Pew Research Center reported in 2010 that only half of Americans are married. In 1960, 72 percent of adults over 18 were married, but today it’s only 51 percent. By 2012, the number of never-married individuals was at an all-time high, with one in five adults over 25 never having tied the knot. The nature of long-term relationships has also changed. Many couples live together without marrying, and both partners often have their own careers and ambitions. The financial security that once came with marriage doesn’t hold the same allure anymore.

2. You Can Opt for a Domestic Partnership Instead

One benefit of marriage is legal recognition as a couple. However, you don’t need to get married for that. In 11 states, you can sign up for a domestic partnership, which legally recognizes your relationship. The benefits vary by state and sometimes by city, so it’s worth researching what’s available in your area. Keep in mind that domestic partnerships may not be recognized in other states or countries, which is important to consider if you plan to move.

3. Many Marriages End in Divorce Anyway

While divorce rates have declined over the past two decades, they’re still significant. In 2011, there were 3.6 divorces per thousand people, down from 4.7 per thousand in 1990. About 30 percent of couples who married in the 1990s were divorced before their 15th anniversary. Even with declining divorce rates, the fear of divorce looms large. We’ve seen many seemingly happy couples, including parents, friends, and celebrities, split up. Plus, only 29 percent of divorced individuals say they would marry again.

4. You Don’t Need to Be Married to Fulfill a Lifelong Commitment

Many of us grew up thinking marriage was the ultimate commitment. However, if you and your partner know you want to be together for life, why do you need a legal document to prove it? Historically, marriage was more about property and social contracts than love and affection.

5. Historically, Marriage Considered Women Property

Marriage historically treated women as property. Under English law in the 19th century, a woman’s legal identity dissolved upon marriage. Women couldn’t own property, sign contracts, or write wills without their husband’s permission. Though laws have changed, the tradition of treating women as property remains a troubling part of marriage history.