Samantha: Until recently, few women thought of marriage as a lifestyle choice. It was just something they assumed1 they would do.

　　Bill: True. In most countries, women - and to some extent, men-have always received the message that marriage is the norm2, and staying single is undesirable.

　　Samantha: But more and more women in the U.S. are questioning that assumption. When3 a satisfying career and good friends, they reason, they don't need a husband to be happy-or even to have a child.

　　Bill: Well, if fewer women are marrying, I suppose fewer men are, too.

　　Samantha: Good point. In fact, the trend will surely have a major impact on American society as a whole.

　　Bill: Let's hear all about it in Dateline USA.

　　EJ: Hello, and welcome to Dateline USA! America is experiencing a major societal4 shift. More and more women are deciding that marriage is not inevitable5 and that they can lead a fulfilling6 life as a single.