STIGMA AND THE SINGLETON .. (33)

Yes I thing there is a stigma attached to being single. I think that being single (myself included) is a person who is a loser.

People do that to me, too! But most of the time I'm just too busy to care one way or another. A stigma? Mmmm, not sure about that though... it's just certain people being condescending and a bit insensitive, isn't it?

PS Hi Ghost! IM has been turned off for a few months now... perhaps because of all those threads asking why all the gals had it turned off.

exactly my point .. well said that person! ..

My mother in law,(although I have never discussed it)thinks I am happy single and not interested in changing my status,think she rather thinks I am better off unmarried.To be honest,I might be in agreement with her for once.

The last 3 dates I have had said,you seem alright,how come nobodies snapped you up already..(why did nobody want you).

And I say,he(whoever)has been single for a long time,there must be a reason why..either you prefer being single,cos you are scared or your life is already very full and satisfying,or nobody wants you,or you are messed up

So yeh..the stigmas definitely there but..Despite all that,I think single life is more real,vibrant,and full of experience's,with endless possibilities,and interesting meetings with new varied people.Often harder without a partner's support,but whatever you achieve,is a personal success,leading to a better self awareness and strength.

And a relationship is bloody hard work..

Wow!!!

I don´t think there is any stigma at all these days. More and more people are single, young and older for various reasons. My daughter is 30, and many of her friends a little older are still single and I have no worries about that, it seems to be more the norm nowadays.

Sometimes well-meaning friends who are in relationships, usually long marriages in my experience, may try to fix you up with someone or want you to be in a relationship, but that´s their failure to understand the concept of being single in middle-age fully. I know, I felt the same way when I was married and wanted all my single friends to hook up and be as happy as I was.

Even my mum, who for a few years after my divorce was absurdly keen for me to meet somebody, now thinks I´m best alone, or at least until someone really worthy of me comes along.

Fortunately I have a good mix of friends, married, in relationships, and single, so I rarely feel any pressure to jump into something just because....know what I mean?