I hate it when people say...

"I can't understand why someone like you is single." I'm sure they mean well, but that doesn't make me feel better.

I've been hearing this comment a lot lately, and it's really getting on my nerves. I think I'm going to have to fortify myself with a strong drink at Dad and Sharon's wedding in July because I have a suspicion that I will hear that comment all damn day.

I have no f---ing idea why I'm still single, and I don't much care. I can say that with conviction because I have not held up my life waiting for someone who may or may not show up. I have things to do, thank you very much. That's the power of a modern woman, I think - having a mate would be really nice, but is not necessary.

And you can't say I haven't tried - I meet doctors through my job all the time, I've taken classes, I've gone on blind dates, I've tried the Internet, I've been in writing groups, I've gone places, seen things, talked to people. And still, I am single. I must give off some sort of repulsive vibe.

The weird thing is that with all the things I've accomplished in my life, earning a degree, buying my own home, paying my own bills, working, pursuing creative endeavors, etc., the one thing people zero in on is my relationship status, as though everything else were not as important, or are, in fact, diminished by my relationship status. This does not make me feel good. I might be further along in my creative life if I had more encouragement there, I think.

It's like the cartoon says, "how great must a solo act get before it has the appeal of a mediocre duet?"