I am single. I have been for as long as I can remember. Maybe I am that island that no (wo)man should be. My singlehood is often the topic of conversation. I can say though with a great level of uncertainty that I’m not entirely sure if abandoning my status is what I want. One thing I do know is that advice from people in couples is something I don’t want. Once you up a move to the other side of the playing field you’re preaching to the converted. And by the converted I mean to yourself.
You’re too fussy
This is the safe bet observation passed on to any long term uncoupled people. It is a gem that is reiterated to me by the more established couples - parents, aunts, friend’s parents. This statement always baffles me a little. It can mean only one of two things: a) they don’t think I am worthy of the Adonis they think I’m holding out for or b) they believe the key to happiness is settling. Is it status over substance that matters in matters of the heart? Is this the one time that quantity really does win out over quality? Did they settle?
Have you tried internet dating?
This one irks me beyond the realms of irkdoom. YES. I have tried internet dating. Have they? NO. They seem to think that a form of dating that they have no experience of is the key to my happiness. It’s always followed with an anecdotal story of a friend or friend’s son / daughter who found love online, is now married and about to pop one out. Is it a way of kicking me when I’m down? Oh you’ve tried that and failed there too. They forget to mention that the person their friend has hooked up with online has no teeth.
Maybe I am too fussy.
There’s someone for everyone
If this is true then I really am in trouble. Someone? I’m hoping it’s plural. What happens if that someone that is for me lives in the wilds of Outer Mongolia? Or maybe I already met them in a past life?
Surely there should be someone for everyone one each continent. I’ve travelled a lot and I’ve managed to avoid my ‘one’ in every continent so far.
Although I have always wanted to go to Mongolia.
It’s when you’re not looking that it happens.
No. That’s when you get hit by a bus or collide with the LUAS.
And if you’re still pondering the odds of finding love, let Joe Hanson of It’s Okay to Be Smart help you:
You can follow Michelle McBride on @MichelleBride or read her blog missunderstoodteacher.
