There's no rush for Prince Charming to take me up the aisle

I HAVE been married. In fact, I've been married so many times I can't even remember the number of times I've said I Do and have committed bigamy.

With a crisp white pillowcase from the linen cupboard on my head – held on with my very own tiara from the Jenners toy department – and my M&S white organza party frock on, I walked up the "aisle" and married any boy who was dumb (or bored) enough to come back to my house to play after school.

The bouquet came courtesy of my mum's planted roses, the rings from a carefully folded up Kit Kat foil wrapper, the bridal party consisted of my bridesmaid-come-priest sister.

Oh, and the wedding breakfast was crisp sandwiches washed down with Cremola Foam.

When I was little, like many girls I always fantasised about the day I would get married. Our Sindy dolls would be decked out in anything that resembled a flowing white gown and we'd meticulously plan our big day.

Mine was going to be a glamorous affair in Edinburgh Castle with an army of bridesmaids and my hubby-to-be giving Prince Charming a run for his money.

I was going to be a Mrs by 21. And there would be babies by 25. So, verging on 29, I guess I've not stuck to the plan – not that I'm surprised.

You see, I'm just not ready. For the time being, anyway. And it seems I'm far from alone.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of marriages last year dropped by four per cent compared to the previous year, and marriage rates have fallen to the lowest level since records began in 1855. Now, the average age for those getting hitched has gone up by around five years since 1991, with the average age for a first marriage being around 31 for men and 29 for women.

Women, it seems, are also happier living alone too. And no, it's not because they can't find someone, it's because they don't want to.

My friend recently turned down her partner's offer of moving in together, because she likes living alone. No smelly socks, no remote control commandeering, no toilet seat left up, no wet towels left on the bedroom floor. And, until she is ready to get hitched, she is quite happy with her bachelorette flat.

So, why the change from our pillow wearing veil days? Perhaps it's down to the fundamental changes in society. Everyone – especially women – are much more financially and emotionally independent. More and more of us have our own career, our own social network giving us that all-important – and liberating – independence.

So, rather than settle for anyone, we pursue happiness – and a bit of that childhood Prince Charming ideal.

So while pro-marriage pressure-groups and the Conservatives may well be currently lamenting the decrease in marriages, I like to think that we are taking it more seriously. Most of us, at least.

Happiness and contentment is what it is all about. And if this takes more time for some of us then so be it.

After all, love philosopher Sam Keen once said: "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

Some things in life are worth the wait.