Historically, butlers were often expected to remain single or unmarried, as employers believed that a single butler could dedicate more time and loyalty to their duties without personal distractions. The idea was that a butler's primary responsibility was to serve their employer's household with utmost discretion and dedication, and having a spouse might introduce conflicts of interest or divided loyalties. However, in modern times, the strict expectation of singlehood has relaxed, and many contemporary butlers are married or have families. Nonetheless, traditional perceptions still influence some households' preferences, especially in high-society settings where discretion and loyalty are highly valued.