What’s Wrong with Being Single?

It’s been such a busy time these last few months with a new challenging role at work to tackle. And I am not the only one being busy. I seem to be surrounded by busybodies too! Whether it’s a social occasion or a cab ride, I have been plagued by just one question. “Are you married?” The most common variation is “Where’s your husband?” or “What does your husband do?” Cab drivers, nosy aunties at Diwali parties, nosier friends and peers. Why is everybody interested in my marital status?

While I have been most polite and answered that I am still single. The comeback to that statement has sometimes left me angry, sometimes amused and other times even grateful. Grateful to people who have moved on to other topics. Seething with anger towards those people who want to know why I am still single and actually have the gall to ask if they should find a husband for me! One busybody even said she was sorry! I was too shocked for a comeback after that.

I have contemplated various comebacks to these meddlesome people depending on my frame of mind at that point. “Do you actually think I need help finding a partner?” or “Do you think there is some problem with me?” or “I will not settle for anything less than John Abraham” or when I am at the end of my patience, “ I am a lesbian”. Clarification to those people who suspect that I am, sorry to break the bubble - I am not really gay! Pretending to be one does seem interesting though.

After this deluge of uncomfortable questions, I did ask a couple of other single friends if they faced the same problem. Surprise! I was not the only one! Initially I did think that it was a gender thing, - only women are targeted for being single, but I am happy to say I was wrong. The men have it just as bad. They have even been asked if they have problem! Which is supposed to mean “Are they impotent or gay”?

Somebody, please tell me why this pre occupation with marriage? And its not limited to Indians, I have been asked this question by a person from every nationality I have met, by both men and women. Most single people I know seem to be happier than the married ones I know. What’s Wrong with Being Single?