I’m that perpetually single friend that
causes problems with seating charts and lovers of even numbers. I’m as single
as it’s possible to be, having never been in a relationship. I’ve been on one
date in my lifetime and it wasn’t an experience I’m eager to have again.
I am
also fiercely independent, figuring that if I can’t do it myself, or pay
someone to do it for me, then it clearly is a thing that shouldn’t happen.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that being in
a relationship is great. And kids are wonderful. Although I find myself craving
puppy cuddles more often than I miss S-Friend’s wonderful offspring. Then
again, I get to see the munchkins a lot more often than I’m able to find
someone who doesn’t mind me kidnapping their tiny canine for an afternoon.
Generally I’m of the ‘don’t knock it until
you’ve tried it’ school of thought, so I can’t for certain say that I don’t
want these things. I do enjoy taking care of people, so I reckon I’d rather
like having a boyfriend and/or child of my own.
But, being single does have its upsides,
especially for people who are a little anti-social and extremely introverted.
On those days when life has sucked, I can
take refuge in my home, where it’s quiet and devoid of people. I love that my
space is all mine. I don’t have to share it. I don’t have people wandering into
the kitchen or changing the channel on the TV. I love that everything is where
I left it (although I wouldn’t mind if someone wanted to put the clean dishes away).
When I’m sick or injured, I love that I
don’t have to take care of other people; that I can wallow in my misery without
guilt. Sure, it would be nice to have someone take care of me, but from what
I’ve seen of my married friends, that doesn’t happen too often. Being women,
they are the primary care givers, whatever they’re going through.
Sure, life gets a bit lonely from time to
time, but this passes.
It might be seen as selfish, but it’s not
like I’m shutting the door in the faces of dozens of guys clambering to make a
life with me. I look at it more as appreciating the life I have instead of
pining for life that I don’t.
