Sharp-eyed readers might have noticed something that happens to newspaper columns
come this time of year. Every August your favourite columnist goes away and
is replaced by someone paler and more morose. Who are these people, you
might have wondered? Why do they only appear in August? Shouldn’t they be on
holiday like everybody else? Perhaps they’re the canteen staff, filing the
odd column between stuffing vol-au-vents because the journalists are away.
But interesting that they never write about children or dogs or organic
gardens or husbands or wives or dinner parties or the complexities of
village fête status anxiety, as normal columnists do. A normal
columnist will happily spend 800 words musing breezily on compost heaps. A
stand-in holiday season columnist, by contrast, favours other topics. Death,
the plague, that’s our bag.
Want to know why? Because we’re single. We’re spouse-free zones. And
usually garden, children and pet-free zones, too. I’m not on holiday because
there’s no one I want to go with, ever since my best friend and I
inexplicably chose to travel to Gujarat last October and fell out over a
difference in opinion about a woman’s amputated arm. And, being single, I’m
wary of holidays anyway. They remind me of that realisation I always seem to
have abroad, that I can’t spend the rest of my life with this person.
Because single people spend most of their time inside their heads, we tend
to exaggerate bad past experiences. So maybe my holidays were good, but how
would I know? The inside of my brain resembles the combined plots of The
Poseidon Adventure and Saw III played on loop with all the uplifting parts
edited out.
That’s the truth about being single; it can be horrendous, only I’m not
allowed to admit it. For a few months I have been leading what most
anthropologists would describe as a highly unusual existence in my one-person
flat, and yet prevailing 21st-century thought – the publishing industry,
marketing bods keen to get their grubby paws on what’s left of my disposable
income – are trying to convince me that being single is the best thing in
the world that can happen to a person. It reminds me of what Phill Gramm,
John McCain’s economic adviser, said last month about the recession. It’s
not a recession; it’s a “mental recession”. It’s all in your mind.
Likewise, there’s a myth being perpetuated that being single is great!
The loneliness, the effort, that musty smell in your flat because you spend
far too much time in it, the fact that children think you’re weird – that’s
all in your mind. A fabrication. You’re not bored, you just think you’re
bored because being single is fabulous! There are more than 3 million single
people living in Britain today – everyone’s at it, why not join in the fun?
You can drink cocktails like they did in Sex and the City! You can play
Nintendo into the dead of night! Absolutely nobody in the world gives a toss
about you, but, never mind, you’ve won the lottery of life.
Connected to this syndrome is another unacknowledged truth: that a lot of
single people are mad. Some of them are single because they are mad. They
tack uplifting quotes to their bedroom walls; they try to lure the attached
away from their beloved with promises of a fabulous new life in which no one
ever need share a tube of toothpaste again. They begin to excel in those
activities that are traditionally dominated by the singleton culture,
stalking and conspiracy theorising. But most of them are mad because they’re
being driven insane by the pressure to be ecstatic about being single. Under
the cover of normality they’re sectionable, trying to justify why they want
to be alone so much. To this end they forensically inspect the relationships
of their friends. “A lot of people are with the wrong people for the wrong
reasons,” is their mantra and sincere hope. They gullibly fall for the
claims of their friends with children who tell them how lucky they are to
have nothing to do at the weekends. “How I envy you!” new mothers will tell
their single friends. It’s an exercise in self-pity, of course. If in doubt,
ask them to swap your life with theirs and watch them clutch their children.
If only there was some service that would reliably predict when any period of
non-voluntary solitude would end, it would cut out the anxiety and allow
single people to enjoy the good things about their lives: increased
lucidity, productivity, creativity and self-awareness. More time. Not being
welded together in some smug symbiotic ticking relationship time-bomb.
Having your own personality. Less risk of divorce. But drinking cocktails
whenever you like with three single and neurotic friends for company is for
most people a definition of hell.
Kate Muir is away
I totally agree with you. Some people may be happier single but personally I think being with someody you love is the best thing in the world and I really miss that. I'm a fairly independent person with lots of friends and interests, but I get sad that I have nobody really special to share that with
Helen, London,
they say the more you focus on something - good or bad, the more you add energy to it and thus sustain it. want to stop being single? stop thinking about it and focus on all the great things about your life to increase your magnetism to what you want. easier said than done - i'm also single! lol!
Theo, London,
haha, very kool discussion! I really found it humorous when some said something about paying taxes for "hetrosexual breeders (& thier kids)" while being single. ;-) I enjoy being single as I like to do stupid things, taking unexpected breaks, & being ready for unseen. atleast for a while!
Abhishek, Brno, Czech Republic
I think you may have missed the point. No one in the world is single - everyone is either in a relationship or "Single and XXX"
Its the XXX that determines your fate: rich, sucsessful, attractive, free?
Tikhon, london,
All my friends are now married, so my nights are generally spent on my own. Even if i do go out with my friends they find it horrid that would want to talk to single men. They have forgotten the pain of having to be on your own 24/7
Bridget Slater, Sydney, Australia
There is no greater bliss than a good marriage... no greater hell than a bad one.
I say find the good in what you have (single or married) and the rest works itself out.
Brian W., Los Angeles, USA
I'm single and happy. I dedicate my time to volunteer work, kids, take a lot of interesting courses, go to the gym, hang out with my single and married friends, travel, work full time and work on business projects. No harm in looking for company but it doesn't mean you have to stop living.
Josie, Toronto, CANADA
I was deliriously happy when I was single. I just didn't realise it until I got married!
Mr. McFarlane, Bucharest, Romania
Amusing to read, but of course it's just hyperbole and literary wit.
Sal, Australia,
What are you doing Friday night?
Andy, Leeds, UK
spot on, unfortunately.
Christine, Paris, France
I am 36 and single. Yep, grass is always greener on the other side. I am a volunteer. Many people out there need help in this world. Just cause you don't have boyfriend! please. yes, I do see a lot of people who "settle" cause they don't have the guts to be alone. life is what u make it. Be happy
Jen, Denver,
When we are single we pine for someone else, when we are married we pine for the days we were single and free. Don't let it bother you. If it was human nature to be content with our lot in life, we never would have come down from the trees.
Ted, Portland OR, US
unfortunately, you're spot on
MrOrange, Utrecht, Netherlands
The strict line between single and being married is the problem. Marriage should have a considerable amount of singleness in it.
robert, vancouver, bc
That said, the pangs of loneliness are always worse. The emotional rewards of meeting a compatible person create a deep craving that makes us seek such person out. I'm 42, single, a writer. I like your writing. E-mail me. :)
Todd, Phoenix, USA
The great way
To be single
Is to be single.
Divorce is
A messy way
To be single.
SanYing, Montreal, Canada
Thank you for making me smile. This was brilliant and so true. You nailed it.
Dani, London,
Simple. Partner up with a merchant seaman. There are a range of types of all shapes and sizes with quite a few very well read. And of course we do leave for periods of time. It can be for a few weeks rota or a few months. So you see you can see and end and a reclaimation of a single life regularly.
Mark Chisholm, Dereham, UK
I'm reading a lot about how happier and more content we are when we're loving, giving, connecting to others. That's the issue, not whether you're married or single. The nuclear family is just one route to opening up your heart to the world. That's my experience of being single,married, now widowed
jenny, london, UK
I am 40, and I've noticed that people who have big questions when single, are likely to have big questions when married. Happiness is not a matrimonial matter.
It could be an ability of taking a new look at oneself. Any way you look what you are, then you meet the people consistency.
Michèle, Paris, France
Don't confuse happiness with contentment.
Single 'till 40 I had a truly fantastic, thoroughly hedonistic time, marriage is brilliant though and brings with it a sense of ease and fulfilment that transcends the "fun" of my youth.
You'll always miss elements but don't forsake the contentment.
Dale, Australia,
The worst thing about being single? Feeling as if you have no choice in the matter. So make sure to go out, date, and reinforce your willingness not to settle. And notice everything about single life that IS good, while waiting for that mate that's too good to pass up.
Thorne, Lexington, USA
I'm thirty and have never not been single. It makes me extremely upset to think about it. Will things ever change? No. I get annoyed by people who praise singledom, smug in the knowledge that they have a choice, and that they've experienced the other side of things.
rich, london,
This is very good, more please.
(The bit about the Poseidon Adventure made me inhale my morning tea, very funny!)
Alex, London,
Problem is, when you marry, you marry the individual plus their history.
Having said that, the most beautiful women I see are those with husband and kids, totally oblivious to other men, no matter how handsome, rich, or powerful they are. Call me old-fashion, but its a sight to behold!
James, North Stonington, USA
Good article. Only true half of the time, like all truths. Marriage is for adults. Too many kids get into it and half their live is waisted until the awakening. Some single people think marriage would resolve their probs bc they'll be forced into channeling their energy properly. NO! Know thyself!
Kaman, Chicago, USA
Every word of what you wrote rang true.
Allan, Brooklyn, USA
"I love my partner but I mourn my singleness, too."
So why don't you just dump him then? Problem solved.
Tara, London, UK
Ms Marsh, you are actually extremely good looking and if you just stay positive, I can't imagine you'll be single for much longer. Keep smiling :))
BrianBrock, London, England
I'm a single 44yo woman with the friends/family, activities, etc though I still resent 75pc council tax & single person supplements on off-peak holidays.
The grass is greener etc and I'm still hopeful but in the meantime, I'm glad I'm not married to some of your readers! C'mon peeps, lighten up!!
Mary, Birmingham, England
After becomign unexpectedly single in I thought it was horrendous at first- you had to make so much effort with people without a partner in tow, book things every weekend, otherwise be lonely.
8 months on, i've had some lonely weekends but also fantastic ones-seen so many cities, sights and friends
Jen, northants,
The unfortunate thing about being married is that you can only be married to one person.
If I could be married to two people, I would look you up :) On second thought, I would have to lead two lives and that would quite fatiguing.
Get out of your head and don't forget to think perpendicularly!
jim, San Francisco, America
Thank you for your honesty! I also find it infuriating when married friends complain about partners and 'manic lives'. I also resent the implication that I have no responsibilties in my life. I too dread holiday season. My policy is to be kind to myself every day and use opportunities to develop.
Liz, Chippenham, UK
Got married at 21, divorced at 49, married again 3 months later, never been happier in my life. My new wife is the love of my life - never give up, never doubt you will find the right person. i didn't, and I did.
Susie, Suffolk,
Not to belittle the message behind your write-up, but I quite enjoyed the way it was written!
James, UK,
good relationships leave room to breathe &pursue interests your s.o. doesn't share. It's little consolation to be suddenly single and have even more time to do things only you like with no-one to bounce off and remind you that maybe you're into weird hobbies but you're loved.
ms, london,
I don't understand it. Single people have endless possibilities, it's exciting, the world is your oyster. Perhaps you are subconsiously ready for a family? I am happily married with 2 great children but I miss my single days. Can't have your cake and eat it I suppose.
mandy , Tonbridge,
I don't know if marry like giorgio says, but we could take a trip together so you can discover that you do want to spend the rest of your life with me.
By the way I couldn't agree more with your last sentence!!
Jim, Madrid,
I hope you aren't depressed.Meditation and counseling could possibly do wonders for you & your social life.Tango & salsa nights could help you lonely hearts out there.You have a great sense of humor,but perhaps it is a bit biting.Don't suffer! We want a funny girl like you to be happy and fulfilled
Ana, Sedona, Arizona
Cara Stefania, will you marry me? You sound so much fun, witty and clever, and look really cute... All you have to do is follow the scores of british women who got tired of the oppressive atmosphere of their (otherwise great) country and moved to southern europe... and forget about gardens and fetes
giorgio, roma, italia
Am formerly (sometimes desperate) single having difficulty morphing into (sometimes desperate) housewife with pretty demanding but lovely man and home. Can only say: be careful what you wish for. Love him to bits, but single/attached/whatever, the grass is always greener...
Helen, Zug,
Having read some sad tales above I think i'll leave my office and go down and give my wife a big hug. 20 years together, 3 gorgeous kids, we've travelled, worked hard, spend quite alot of time apart in order to see respective families. Fantastic, considerate women really do exist. Thankyou.
G Lawrence, Abroad, France
Get a grip woman, im 40 single with my own house and no kids, all by choice, I have a good social life, some great male friends as well as female and never holiday alone. Life is what you make it get out there an enjoy it.
Debbie, Leicester, UK
As a thirty-something man after a failed long-term relationship, I thought being single would be just what I wanted. Freedom, make up for lost time, etc. The truth is, I've had no luck in the last year later, and I'm struggling to find ways I'd like to meet women (e.g. no nightclubs). What to do?
Matt, Bristol, England
It's about time someone said how awful being single is, especially in one's 40s! People think I have a great life, holidays abroad at Christmas (no family to visit either), doing what I like when I like; but I'm deeply unhappy. Life is about love and sharing, and without them it can be desolate.
Caroline, London, UK
Having experienced Christmas on my own (not as miserable as some Christmases with OH's relatives!) I am organizing jewellery making breaks for singles at Christmas and New Year in France.
Karen - lavidalerie.com, St Geniez d'Olt, Aveyron, France
Hurray!!! You definately understand single life. Well written.
Kew, Oxford, UK
You're spot on, Steph, and I'm glad you had the guts to say it. The world is geared toward couples and families. Summer and XMas are the biggest reminders of it. Being solo does have some advantages but they get old quickly when you miss having a connection with someone. Life is about people.
Shawn, Farnham, UK
I was never so lonely as when I was married.
caz, bath, UK
in my opinion the main issue with our author is; being single+ the age factor + being a woman = an article with a painful and spiteful note! Am single and loving it and much happier than the pathetic and oppressive relationship with which i am supposed to validate myself with. Go out and socialize
Ana, Sofia, Bulgaria
It's no fun Being Lonely :))))
mohammed, up town dubai, dubai
"If only there was some service that would reliably predict when any period of non-voluntary solitude would end..."
I agree. I'd like to use the same service to predict tomorrow's lottery number. Before this service is available, I'll enjoy my life as it is, just like everybody else, singles or not.
chantelle, earth,
Airport check; circa '00
Are you travelling alone sir?
Yes.
Are you travelling with anyone?
No.
Why?
(ugh! Best answer or wont get on plane) Because it's just after Christmas, friends work.
Are you married?
No.
Have you got a girlfriend?
No.
Why not?
Guess I haven't found miss right yet.
No plane
P.J, West Vlaanderen, Belgium
The truth about being single is contained in this one line, "Absolutely nobody in the world gives a toss about you, ..." I have a great job/income, a lovely home, fill my life with charity workbut would I give it all up tomorrow if just one person loved & valued me
Rena, woking, UK
Brilliant honest, funny article. More from you please! I have been there in the single days. Now getting married and oh no how did it happen the gardening, the composting, the couples dinner parties!! Wouldn't swap it for the world tho! Really refreshing keep it coming!!
jude , exeter,
Funny, true, empathetically comforting and light. Very good.
Trevor, Halifax, Canada
I think most people posting comments here have missed the whole comedic thrust of the article surely? It's hilarious and very well written and completely tongue in cheek no ? Much better than kate muir...can't believe you're single Stefanie..you sound great to me....m
michael , london,
This realization washes over you when you're in your 30s, doesn't it (for women, anyway). Being single doesn't just mean not having a bloke around on Saturday night, but not having a family. I love my own company, but found my years of singledom increasingly taxing - but take heart - find someone!
Madeleine, London, UK
I don't need validation from a relationship, I'm just sick of being single, and wary of getting hurt again by men who don't treat me properly. I really don't ask for much, just for a man who will be NICE to me- heaven knows if he can put up with my bad habits I can put up with his!
Claire, London, England
I absolutely adore being single. Especially whenever I hear married or cohabiting friends whinge about their monstrous offspring/partner/parents-in-law. The only thing that frustrates me is that being single is financially punitive in every way. Hey, maybe I should become a single mum!
Andrea, Exeter,
You finally start speaking sense in the last paragraph. If I had known that my seven year period of singledom in my thirties would end with me meeting a wonderful partner, I would have enjoyed those years a lot more!
Joe, Falkirk,
Like most things in life, being single has both good and bad points. But as you get older I think summer becomes increasingly a low - couples and families head off on their hols, groups of single under-25s head en masse for two weeks of cocktails and mutual groping... and guess who is left behind?!
lucifer, london,
And then there are the occasions where you do venture out alone and spend the evening feeling like a sore thumb and fervently hoping nobody asks why you're on your own.
So glad to find out that I'm not the only one who experiences these feelings.
Angela, London,
Dearie me, Stef, get a grip! Yes single can be lonely and miserable at times, but the misery and loneliness of being in a bad relationship is far worse, in my experience. Find some decent friends and for God's sake, cheer up - you'll be single for ever if you're always this misery-gutted!
Clare , Geneva, Switzerland
The real myth is that most other singles feel the same way you do! For an overview (with lots of humor) of what marital status really means for well-being, based on studies of 1000s of people, take a look at SINGLED OUT: How Singles Are Stereotyped & Still Live Happily Ever After.
Bella DePaulo, Summerland, USA
It's ludacris to suggest that someone who is single does not have meaningful relationships. I think the author may need to get out of her own head and stop pitying herself and maybe go out and live. It's human nature to want to connect with others...but it only happens if you open yourself up to it.
Erika, Boston,
Wow, hello, my life! I get so tired of people telling me how "awesome" it is to be single, and how I should relish every moment. I don't think the author needs validation from a relationship -- I don't, but I identify with her. Why is it fun to lack love, sex, and someone to care for?
Elisabeth , Denver, CO, USA
A brilliant article! Witty, funny and accurate. Being single isn't always about feeling lonely and sad, but no matter how comfortable you feel about yourself you can only take so many walks around the park by yourself before it gets boring and, to be frank, depressing. More from Stefanie!
Sarah, Cardiff,
This is my life. I like lying to myself about how amazing it is to be single, what else am I supposed to do?
Kat, Sheffield,
Stefanie obviously does not like herself very much otherwise she wouldn't be looking for someone to rescue her. When you are at peace with who you are, then there is no such thing as being lonely. Get a dog, get a life and get a good therapist and then you won't feel so rubbish.
Louise, London,
Very good article. When I was single I was often left with nothing to do because friends had spouses, children, houses to sort & family holidays; it was lonely. I enjoy my own company but esp with a limited budget, there was not much to entertain myself or meet new people through clubs etc.
Margot, Fife,
Thank you so much for descrbing the reality of being single. After the initial "isn't this great i can do what i want when i want", you realise that life alone wherever you are is no fun at all. To me, the meaning of life is to share it with others and be happy. Wonderful article.
Steven McManus, Crewe, UK
Well imagine how much worse it would be to go on holiday with your spouse and fall out with them over a woman's amputated arm. But be stuck with them for ever because you've got negative equity, and you couldn't get away even if you wanted to....
Emma, London, England
Steph, I too was single to the ripe old age of 41. You are absolutely right, it's not much fun. But things can change quickly. Suddenly the right person appears on the radar screen.
I ended up with a wonderful wife and a family of four boys ! Hang in there the tide will turn
Dave, Knysna,
Open the WINDOW, let some fresh air in. Wash down the walls, and clean the floors. Then take a long relaxing bath <you can, your single>, lounge around a bit, then get dressed and go out.... anywhere..... for coffee, a cup of tea, a walk in the park, do something.... self pity is such a turn off.
faith, withheld, USA
Good grief Stephanie! A musty smell in your flat?! OK, there are peaks and troughs in singledom and relationships but bad smells....please! The mantra is always the same for both stages - join things and do stuff! Get more than 3 friends... Good luck!
Kate, Oxford,
It is unfortunate that life appears to offer only two options. Its either family life with its permanent loss of privacy and autonomy or single life, which on occasion can be lonely. Too bad no middle way seems possible.
John, Jackson,
meibe the problem is about the single life in perspective for the author. I've benn married and single. if you live and breath, and stay in balance with yourself, I think you can enjoy the joy of life, both way.
if you got personal unresolved problems, you can go up to heaven, but still be unhappy.
edoardo chioni, Rome, ITALY
Actually, I tend to be more selfish when I have a partner: the world revolves around us, and our relationship, and our plans, and how much pleasure I get out of it all. When single, I care about the larger world: hunger, disease, relatives in need... and I am more available to give meaningful help.
Carol, New York, USA
Smart, powerful writing. 'Times', let's have more from Stefanie Marsh.
DavidW, Milton Keynes, England
It's not about 'validation' from another person, Shane. This writer has neatly summarised *my* long and boring experience as a non-voluntary single - I consider myself a terminal case now, only euthanasia will put me out of my misery.
Helen, Bristol, England
I knew it had to happen sometime. I adored being single, the world is so big, so much to experience . Maybe being single does means you're in your head a lot, I guess I just loved it up there. Singledom is about a hell of a lot more than cocktails. I love my partner but I mourn my singleness, too.
Julia, london, uk
All human beings are different. Some are happiest when partnered, others are happiest alone. It is unwise to try to fit everyone into the same box.
John F, London,
Couldn't care less about this article... but if you could tell us all about the amputated arm story that's another matter.
Elenor, london, uk
People need people. It's not a weakness to admit it. But you can still be happy with yourself and know who you are. You don't have to be single to learn that lesson. Being single aids resilience, but being single perhaps doesn't aid compromise which relationships need.
People do need People
Paul, Bristol, UK
I didn't meet my wife until I was 30. I had some great bachelor times, often lost in alcoholic mists with the lads. But only when I met my life partner, my soul mate, my best friend in the whole world was I truly happy. Great times are great, but only if you've got someone to share it all with.
dave, Notts, UK
Being single has "emergency" written all over it.
Eugene, heidelberg, germany
I do agree with SOME of the above. I've been single for long periods of time, but also in long term relationships that were never going to work.
You'd be surprised how many people stay in marriages/relationships that aren't working for fear of loneliness. Elizabeth's reference to Strindberg is apt.
Nigel, London, England
NO wife,kids, mortgage. I dont have to earn a lot and pay the Brown Mafia to live. I winter in Florida and in September I am going to Kyiv to see a band play and that little junket will last 3 weeks. It's a big world & theres a lot of people to meet. He who travels fastest travels alone.
Steve Byrne, Christchurch, UK
From the article: "a lot of single people are mad"
From Chris: "Single people are discriminated against in a tax system that takes my money and distributes it to the heterosexual breeders who need to consider their options when they procreate and not expect others to subsidise their breeding."
ian, sheffield, uk
Being single is BRILLIANT.!!!
If one is unhappy being single, then one has not resolved their own inner male or female issues.
That is why we have relationships- TO LEARN from each other.
Lady Portia, London, UK
I'm waiting for the right guy, not just a buffer against loneliness. Meanwhile, yes, I get lonesome but I relish my freedom. Jenny from Swindon - being alone does not equal living 'selfishly for oneself'. I care for family & friends. Having kids is a choice & doesn't confer automatic sainthood.
Janey, Douglas , Isle of Man
This article made me feel a lot better. Thanks for being
a sensible, mature woman and not a stupid, ego driven girl.
Tom, London,
Not driven mad by pressure of being seen to love being single, maybe being driven mad by the constant pressure to be 'normal' and therefore accepted by the sheeple: wife(hubby), enormous mortgage, job you say you love but you hate, screaming kids etc. being single enables one to step away from this.
MD, Milton Keynes,
Single people are discriminated against in a tax system that takes my money and distributes it to the heterosexual breeders who need to consider their options when they procreate and not expect others to subsidise their breeding.
Chris Dilworth, Northampton, UK
Funny and clever, can't you take over column-writing duties from the compost-heap dinner-party village-fete crowd, not just for the holidays, but all year round ?
steve-roberts, Bedford,
Being single is being happy,contented, valuing, loving yourself too and acknowledging your low periods too. The list is endless, when you work on yourself, then you will attract others whether its friends, strangers, etc with your positive energy. Face the challanages and enjoy.
Harrison, London, United Kingdom
I'm currently in a troubled relationship but have been single oft enough to be wary of the greener grass. Nothing quite compensates for love. My advice - take a long hard look at yourself. Another modern illusion is we can have it all. We can't. Know it and give yourself the best chance of love.
Jude, Bologna, Italy
Your single life sounds pretty unhappy. It is wrong, however, to generalize your feelings and boldly claim that "this is how ALL single people feel." Neither I or most of my single friends can relate to this. Besides, you need to find happiness with yourself before you can find it with a partner.
Azadeh, Los Angeles,
Spending time with yourself is not the same as feeling lonely - I know people who feel lonely surrounded by their family, and people who spend a lot of time on their own who rarely feel lonely.
Some people are quite happy being single. Others aren't . Sorry to hear you aren't.
E carpenter, New York, USA
this article made me sick.
YC, Bristol, UK
Very funny and true, Stefanie. Singles tend stay at home more because they are made to feel so unwelcome at restaurants and bars if they are on their own. I like Strindberg's comment though, that marriage is like an eel trap, those on the outside want in and those on the inside want out.
Elizabeth, Sydney, Australia
l think there's nothing better than married life,esp when you encounter the compatible partner.Married life has many prons like you know how to be responsible,how to compromise,co-exist..etc.Ultimately,human nature says so.Yet,one can realise this only when he/she reaches a certain age being single
Nabil, Sidi Slimane, Morocco
l think there's nothing better than married life,esp when you encounter the compatible partner.Married life has many prons like you know how to be responsible,how to compromise,co-exist..etc.Ultimately,human nature says so.Yet,one can realise this only when he/she reaches a certain age being single
Nabil, Sidi Slimane, Morocco
I agree. To live selfishly for oneself only must be boring. My children are my life. My husband is company - friend and foe - but definitely not boring! We are social beings. We need other people, and we need intimate relationships.
jenny, swindon, uk
l think there's nothing better than married life,esp when you encounter the compatible partner.Married life has many prons like you know how to be responsible,how to compromise,co-exist..etc.Ultimately,human nature says so.Yet,one can realise this only when he/she reaches a certain age being single
Nabil, Sidi Slimane, Morocco
I personally love being single. In fact I have intentionaly steered clear of relationships. In the 4 years since my last relationship I have traveled continuously and changed jobs and locations twice annualy. Sydney, KL, Auckland, Cairns, Melb, etc. Next stop Perth, WA to cash in on the mining boom
Nathan, Sydney, Australia
Hmmm. I can't say that i agree with this at all. I have been married and single...and i prefer single. I don't have to pretend to have a "sex in the city" life either. Thats just nonsense! The author of this is obviously incapable of living without validation from a "relationship". Kind of sad.
Shane, Raleigh,NC, USA