Some Advice for Single Adults from a Single Adult

Picture the scenario: You're a single adult. You're not always hunky-dory with that, but you love yourself, your independence, and your life. You may or may not have kids, you may be divorced, widowed, or never married. Maybe you have a significant other, or maybe you do not. The point is, you're single. That is who you are. You're not better than anyone else, nor are you "deprived"...despite what others might have you believe. You are not abnormal, desperate, or homely...you're just single. So, why do people continue to ask you the same question time after time. I mean, all you wanted to do was go visit your family and/or friends, maybe for the holidays. You sit there, watching your more "fortunate" hosts complain about how they never get to travel like you do, can't get any peace of mind because of the kids, their husband/wife is nagging them all the time, etc. You wonder whether they think you have it better than they do (really you don't, but it's just different). If you are feeling particularly down about your single life at this time, you might even be reconsidering your lot and thinking maybe it isn't so bad for you. Then it happens - the proverbial "bomb" is lowered - and they have to ask....that...question:

Why Aren’t You Married Yet?

What do you do? Do you get defensive? Do you burst out crying and run out of the room? Do you shrug your shoulders and say "I dunno", which only invites more prying questions? Since they might have caught you unawares, here is a list that might help you. You can either memorize it, or print it out and put in your pocket for later use. More may be added at a later date, but here are a few tidbits you might want to consider the next time you're asked that question:

	You haven't asked yet.
	I was hoping to do something meaningful with my life.
	Because I just love hearing this question.
	Just lucky, I guess.
	It gives my mother and father something to live for.
	I'm waiting until I get to be your age.
	It didn't seem worth a blood test.
	I already have enough laundry to do, thank you.
	Because I think it would take all the fun out of dating.
	My co-op board doesn't allow spouses.
	I'd have to forfeit my billion-dollar trust fund.
	They just opened a great singles bar/club/etc. on my block.
	I wouldn't want my parents to drop dead from sheer happiness.
	I guess it just goes to prove that you can't trust those voodoo doll rituals.
	What? And lose all the money I've invested in running personal ads?
	I don't want to have to support another person on my paycheck.
	Why aren't you thin?
	I'm married to my career, although recently we have been considering a trial separation.

Bonus reply for single mothers/fathers:

Because having a husband/wife and a child would be redundant.