Ask a married guy...

[MTL]

I can't see myself getting married because I dread the idea of any man I love
ever getting to the point where he thinks of me as a "ball and chain"
or otherwise resents me.

I have been married over 20 years.  I do not think of my wife that way at all.  She was my best friend before I married her, and she has continuously been my best friend ever since.  If I did not want to be legally glued to her, I would not have married her.  I am happy with my situation, and expect to be married to her for the rest of my life (as she is younger than I am, and women, on average, live longer than men).  That thought does not bother me in the least.  In fact, I like that idea, and hope she does not die first.

So, if you married, whether the man you marry ever feels like you are a "ball and chain" is going to depend on the man, and, of course, you.  I recommend only marrying if he is your best friend.  Of course, some people have other arrangements that seem to work for them, so what might work for you is difficult for me to say.  I would not want to marry someone who was not my best friend.

Thanks for posting that.  I know you're right.