Aaahhh friends and family. Though deep down you know they have your best interests at heart, sometimes they say some of the most unintentionally hurtful things ever. This is certainly the case when it comes to your romantic relationships… or lack thereof. Even though your network found major flaws in your last five boyfriends, they certainly don’t want to see you single either and they’re going to make that very well known… to your face. Just like somebody telling you you’ve gained weight, throwing your singleness in your face can be a potentially sensitive subject and usually something you’re well aware of. Here are the things we single girls wish you would stop asking, saying or suggesting.
Why Don’t You have a Boyfriend?
I still consider myself to be relatively young; but apparently when it comes to some of my older and sometimes younger, (like teenaged), family members, my catch-a-man shelf life is rapidly expiring. Now, in their defense sometimes this question is asked out of general bewilderment; but other times, they say it like I’m some type of freak of nature. I guess my kinfolk have some type uterine hearing capabilities I just didn’t inherit.
*Sad face* Are you Happy?
Thank you for your concern. But the really scary thing would be walking around in a perpetual funk because I don’t have a man. Now, we all want to give and receive love; but not having a boyfriend, boo, husband or significant other at any given moment is not reason to break down. This question suggests that I can’t achieve true happiness or at least contentment on my own. If I’m mentally and emotionally stable, that’s just not true.
You just have to put yourself out there…
This is another well-meaning comment that is frustrating as hell when it pops up, unsolicited. Now, if I’ve asked you how I can meet somebody then cool, thanks for the advice. If I haven’t, and I’m not a certifiable hermit, I’m not trying to hear this.
Maybe you’re just too (insert man-repelling adjective here)
While we could all stand to learn and grow, this type of comment makes it seem like the person is fundamentally unattractive to the opposite sex. Regardless of whether the statement is true or not, is of no consequence. Unless you’re having an in depth conversation about someone’s flaws and how he or she can improve themselves, and not just to get a man, this is probably going to hurt feelings.
I know somebody…
Eeek! The funny thing is, it never occurs to people that one, especially if that one is a woman, would consciously choose to be single. So our friends, the ordained matchmakers, feel it is their appointed duty to set up potential love connections. When I get desperate enough to the point where I can admit I need a bit of assistance, I’ll let you know, promise.
You’re not getting any younger…
*In my Ben Stein, Clear Eyes voice* Yes, thank you I understand how aging works. Ever since the day I was born, I’ve spent every day of my life slowly dying. I needed that burst of optimism. (End scene.) There’s no need to state the obvious, love or even worse try to scare me into procreating with the first man with a moderate to high level sperm count. Things happen when they’re supposed to happen. Relax your mind.
All my single ladies, (no Beyoncé) what are some questions or comments do you get tired of hearing from your friends and family members?
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