Why do you want to buy a house?

This sounds rhetorical but I'm genuinely asking. It seems people put so much undue pressure on themselves that they HAVE to own a house. I get that there are nonfinancial reasons, but I would bet a large chunk of people who pressure themselves are under the misconception that it's some great financial investment (just browse this sub for how easily it can become a money sink) or that you aren't successful until you own a house, or more commonly have a mortgage. Frankly it seems to me it's something a lot of people do just because it's the thing to do.

So why do you want to buy a house so bad? Is it worth the stress and opportunity cost for you?