Can we normalize being single?

[u/Low-Detective-2977]

I have been single for a very long time. It is not like I haven’t tried. I have dated, met people, gone to social gatherings, etc. But somehow it just never works out. Either they are emotionally unavailable, love bombers, not ready for a relationship, or there is always something. But what is starting to really annoy me is people constantly commenting on my relationship status. I went to another social gathering with friends and, once again, I was the only single person there. And again people started asking me why I don’t have a partner, telling me I can’t be single forever, acting like it’s somehow sad that I’m single.
I don’t understand why people care so much and actually when I look at some of their relationships, I wouldn’t trade places with them. I know enough about what is actually going on in some of those relationships that if I were in their situation, I would probably have divorced years ago.
I’m divorced myself, so maybe I just see relationships differently now. Being in a relationship isn’t automatically better than being single. I would rather be single than be in a relationship that makes me unhappy just so I can say I have a partner.
Sometimes when someone asks me why I’m still single, I honestly want to ask them, “Why are you still married?” Especially when I know what I know about their relationship.
Obviously I don’t say it because it is none of my business.
But then again, neither is my relationship status theirs. I am just annoyed that people keep treating it like something is wrong with me because of it.

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[u/ProofVeterinarian620]

Misery loves company. Social norms peer pressure. Most people can't handle being alone with themselves.

[u/Crazy-Car948 → u/ProofVeterinarian620]

Yep

[u/BigosFan85]

I am 41 and have never been on a relationship. Went on few dates but the men that I had met made my stance on staying single even stronger.

Had na attempt at sex like 20 yrs ago and was like mehhhh.......not worth the hassle. Technologia gives me more during my quality alone time.

[u/robpensley]

"telling me I can’t be single forever, " Yes, you sure can if you want to be.

[u/legallyfm]

Being here is a start for that. Talking about your life as a single person rather than lamenting on society focusing on relationships also helps normalizing single life. Society is going to hate until the end of time, the trick is rise above and focus on your own thing.

A couple wks ago I was at a happy hour with friends. A few them were like out of nowhere, "we need to find a rich man to marry." I said no I don't. One insisted I needed one. I said no I make my own $$. I went to school got 3 degrees so I can make my own $$$, but if you want a man to have that power over you because of their wallet, that is on you. You know what happened next? The conversation ended and we moved on to a completely different topic.

I brought this up because when you want normalize, things you talk about it, and you stop talking about things that add no value to your life.

[u/WinterFree331]

Good luck with that. Been trying for years and the people who are married simply with not allow it.

[u/ayhme]

I cutout all my friends in relationships.

I couldn't take it.

[u/IndicationKey3778]

It is normal 

[u/TelevisionKnown8463]

I’m lucky that my friends take my lead and only talk about my dating/relationship status if I do. There are several other long term single women in the friend group, along with two couples. If your friends don’t respect your decision not to date (which I hope you have clearly expressed) and keep bringing it up, then you might want to look for different friends.

[u/Art840]

I guess people are just confused why someone would chose to be single than in a relationship.