A couple of weeks ago, I attended a good friend’s wedding. When I arrived, I “bumped” into an acquaintance that I did not see for years. He was with his partner (a young lady). He introduced her to me and asked if I invited anyone to the wedding. I replied, “No, I am happily single”. He looked at me with such disbelief (with a trace of condescension) and said “Really?”. I smiled and said, “REALLY! I am as content and complete, being single or in a relationship.” Fortunately (or unfortunately) someone joined the group and changed the topic and a debate was avoided.
It was not the first time (and won’t be the last) I felt being patronized for being single by people that are married or partnered. I am genuinely very happy for their relationships, but honestly I don’t feel (and should not) inferior nor incomplete because of my own marital status. To me, there should not be a hierarchy of happiness based on your marital status. Happiness is a very subjective and private matter. We should have the freedom to define and enjoy our own happiness. Let us be free and respected.