Things To Tell Your Auntie When She Asks Why You’re Still Single At Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the worst parts about the holidays is going home and sitting down for that dreaded family dinner. You love your family, and it's great to see everyone, but someone is inevitably going to ask you why you're still single or when you plan on having kids, or some variation that makes you feel bad about not being in a relationship.
Well, it's totally your decision and you shouldn't feel bad about your relationship status. Here are some responses you can give when that annoying question comes up.
There Is No One I'm Interested In
There might be plenty of fish in the sea, but how many of them do you really feel are worth dating? It doesn't make them bad people, or you too picky, you just know what you want and you're not finding it.
Being Single Is Not The Worst Thing That Can Happen To You
You could have a substance abuse problem, or zero motivation, or any number of terrible life decisions in your life that are not being single. Tell your family that flying solo isn't the worst thing that's going to happen to you.
You're Still Dealing With Some Things
Maybe you're still dealing with some baggage from your last relationship or personal struggles that don't even have anything to do with dating, and that's ok. Wanting to be emotionally stable before dating is the right thing to do.
Dating Has Gotten Too Complicated
Between the online dating platform, and all the mean things people do to each other in the name of dating, it's understandable you'd want to avoid it. The 'rules' of dating don't even make sense anymore.
You Don't Want To Settle
You. Deserve. Everything. You. Want. And that includes the person you decide to share your life with. The great thing about taking your time is can learn what you do and don't want in a relationship.
You Want To Focus On Your Career
Ladies, now is our time. If you're career-driven and find success in your job then that's amazing and you'll make that happen. Your family will understand when you tell them your priorities are different and your career is what you're focusing on.
You Like Your Life The Way It Is
Maybe it isn't anything to do with dating specifically. Maybe you just enjoy the life you've built for yourself. It's a big deal letting someone into your life and you want to protect what you've got. That totally makes sense.
You're Happy With Your Own Company
Aren't you lonely? No, I'm not. I happen to enjoy my own company, thank you very much. When you start dating someone, the time you have alone drastically decreases. You don't cheat on yourself for a meh man.
You're Not Ready To Commit
It's so easy for a guy to have commitment issues, but women struggle with it too. Sometimes it's because of the horrors of past relationships, or maybe it's because you haven't found anyone you want to commit to.
You're Still Growing And Learning Things About Yourself
The relationship you have with yourself is ongoing, and getting into a relationship can sometimes muddy the waters. If you feel like you want to give yourself the love and attention you would give a partner, you should.
You Feel Fulfilled With Your Current Relationships
There isn't anything missing from your life if you're single, especially if you have a good support system. That doesn't mean you don't want to meet someone, it just means that you don't NEED to be with someone.
You Don't Have To Shave Your Legs As Much
Let's be honest, this is probably the most legit reason there is. It's important to take care of ourselves no matter what, but the maintenance ladies put in when they're in a relationship is exhausting.
You Don't Feel Ready For Kids Anytime Soon
A lot of the time, people will be worried about you being single because they want to know when you're having kids. Well, that's really only your business and if you're not in a hurry, that's the only reason you need. Maybe you don't even want kids! That's OK, too!
You Want To Spend Your Money On What You Want
It isn't selfish to want to buy yourself nice things, take vacations, or even save for YOUR future. You work hard for your money. Being in a relationship can come with an expensive price tag and that might not line up with your current plans.
Maybe You Really Like Dating
Seriously, dating is kind of the worst. But, the idea that you can keep meeting new people, or that the love of your life might be just around the corner, can also be super exciting. It's a big world out there filled with lots of interesting people.
You Like Sleeping Alone
Nothing is better than crawling into bed after a long day and being able to spread out in any direction. You've got room for your computer to watch your stories on, you can have as many pillows as you want, and you can even keep your pets with you if you have them.
You Don't Want Any Drama
Wanting to live a life that's simple without a lot of emotional trauma is something we should all strive for. If you haven't met someone who isn't a drama king, no one blames you for staying single.
You Want To Pursue Your Passions
Maybe you just don't have time to date. You're too busy making plans to conquer the world. You don't want anything to get in the way of the things you want to accomplish.
You Want To Spend Your Time How You Want
You don't have to answer to anyone when you're single. If you want to spend a whole weekend in your pjs watching Ru Paul's Drag Race then you do it. If you want to get dressed up and hit up the town, you should do that, too!
Because You Want To Be
Realistically, it shouldn't matter what your reasons are — you shouldn't be asked to provide any. You're in charge of your own life, so you can be single because you want to be single. Simple as that.
