How men feel about the ol' ball and chain

Surprisingly positive, according to MSN, though that might have something to do with the fact that they called it "marriage" instead of "the ol' ball and chain". One thing is for certain--men should be alarmed about putting marriage off to later and later ages, because if they wait too long, they will end up spinsters. Or not.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is the fact that more people choose to marry after they finish school and establish themselves professionally. In previous decades, marriage was something you did concurrent with these activities. And let’s not underestimate the loosening of social mores that used to require marriage before sex and cohabitation. Now it’s acceptable to try on relationships and living arrangements without the necessity of wedlock.

Selfish men who spend their youth pursuing their careers instead of marriage only to find themselves lonely at 40 with their biological clocks ticking away. These men need to dial it down a little and focus on snagging a woman before it's too late.

Unmarried men who were raised in intact families (54%) and men who regularly attend religious services (55%) are more likely to be ready to wed than other men.

Of the men whose religions teach that wives are spiritually obliged to be obedient, the percentage of men who want to be married and now was probably much higher. Unfortunately, they didn't ask that question.

Finding the right person will motivate 54% of men to marry.

The other 46% expressed some willingness to marry just anyone, I guess.

The study also found that men who have cohabitated once are more likely to believe that their most important personal goal is marriage.

Alas, their girlfriends just don't see the point of buying the cow when they can get the milk for free.

Who’s Holding Off?
Of the single men surveyed, 74% say they wanted to be free to have fun at this stage in their lives.

Once you get married, you are legally obliged not to have fun anymore. You vow to love, honor, and be a big stick in the mud 'til death do you part.

Fun Fact: The ability to play the field was only a factor for 36% of men polled.

It's true. Playing the field isn't as fun once you're married.

Some 22% of single guys surveyed admitted that while they had no problem with the idea of marriage for some people, it wasn’t something they’d do. These guys feel their biggest concern after marriage would be their loss of personal freedom.

They're just confused. This is the 22% that thinks if someone in a black robe says official-sounding things in your direction, you're going to jail.

So, gals, when you’re out there looking for Mr. Right, keep these statistics in mind. They might help you make better decisions about the men you attract – and the men you avoid.

Wear black robes on your first dates and the ones who make a break for it are not the marrying type.