I’m almost always the LAST person to complain about being single. I actually like it, but sometimes flying solo has its disadvantages. Examples?
When you’re at dinner with your cousin and her boyfriend.
When you’re stuck with your best friend and his girlfriend.
When you’re at a wedding.
…ESPECIALLY when you’re at a wedding!
Now, mind you, I’m still rather young. I’m not the thirty-year-old that everyone looks at with pity, wondering when she’ll get married.
No. I’m a college student. A young college student at that. Still, a small cloud of awkwardness seems to loom over me sometimes.
I got an invitation to attend the wedding of a former middle school peer and a girl I knew from Pathfinders (an equivalent to a co-ed boy/girl scouts).
I hadn’t seen either of them in a few years, and the wedding wasn’t too far away, so I figured I’d show some support.
This was the first wedding I went to by myself. I usually would go with family members because my peers were too young to get married…at least I thought. I could talk about that another time.
I arrived and saw two good friends of mine. Of course, I sat with them. Who wants to sit alone?
The wedding came and went. People started to leave the church. My right hand met the right hands of many people, most of whom I knew.
Wait. What?
Granted, some people may have been looking for my parents or sister; but I got a slight preview of what it feels like to be dateless at a wedding.
Being the master communicator that I am, I was able to divert the attention away from my dateless-arm and have decent conversations with acquaintances and near strangers.
It was still weird for me, though. The two friends I sat with were long gone, and I was the single among the groups. Whether it was two friends, a group of friends, relatives, a dating couple, or a married couple, I was still the loner among them.
This recurred a few times as I waited to greet the bride and groom. When that finished, people were making their way to the reception.
Now, I either had something to do, was tired, or couldn’t stand being dateless anymore. It could be one, none, or all of those, but for some reason, the reception wasn’t in my plans and I was eagerly anticipating my departure.
One problem.
I didn’t drive myself. *face palm*
I don’t remember who dropped me off or who was to pick me up, but I remember waiting around the church lobby.
Conversations were made with people I already spoke with; and, one by one, the people were dwindling away.
But those who asked left before I did.
I remember making calls.
And there, I realized another disadvantage of being dateless. There’s no one to accompany you when you’re waiting for your car ride.
Misery.
I swear I drank from the water fountain and went to the restroom to look in the mirror at least a dozen times. I was trying to pass the time.
When the water fountain and restroom visits got old, I decided to sit on a bench outside so I could make my way to my ride sooner than immediately.
All of sudden, another former classmate of mine showed up. He, too, was by himself. Initially, we talked kind of awkwardly, only because he and I are both naturally quiet, and we didn’t speak much before. However, we managed to laugh and catch up.
Oh, how badly I wanted to say yes. He’d gotten a lot cuter since the last time I saw him.
We hugged and said our goodbyes. He doesn’t know it, but for a while, he filled in for and took over the responsibilities of the date I didn’t have.
Shortly after he drove away, my ride arrived.
“Thank God,” I murmured as I made my way with a quickness.
Now, I know that wasn’t a big deal because, like I said, I’m still rather young. But regardless of my age, I need a companion. I don’t need a boyfriend or anything. I’m not necessarily looking for Mr. Right, but I’m sure as heck bringing a friend next time. I’m never, ever going to a wedding by myself again.
Never again.
22 Comments
sonia de macedo 31 May 2012
Urgh I know exactly what you mean! I hate being the third wheel cos I'm single and not having anyone to go out with sucks cos everyone else is cuddling up to their +1's. One the brighter side no one is holding me back and I get to focus purely on me! Yay for us single gals!
SDMxx
http://daringcoco.blogspot.com.au/
Forever Fred Astaire by PJ Chabwera 31 May 2012
Thanks for the good laugh! I love this post and especially that I can so relate — dateless-ness sucks — yes I said it!
http://foreverfredastaire.blogspot.com/
Baby Budget Blog 31 May 2012
It does suck sometimes to be single, I know. But it also depends on the wedding. I've been to most weddings without a date and I always have had a blast. Mainly because I'd kill my friend (the bride) if she sat me at a table with all couples. And mainly because if she did, I'd just make the couples feel like the oddballs hehehe…
http://www.plentyforpennies.blogspot.com
Filipa 31 May 2012
Several marriages passed and now… I think it depends…
There were some where I felt it sucked being single…
There wre others, that I haven't even remember… It depends on the group of people you are with…
😉
XOXO
mirjam schuurkamp 31 May 2012
some rights and wrongs!
loved to read the post!
New outfit post – Call you my little brown skin
http://www.mirfashion.blogspot.com
Bonnie 31 May 2012
When I was single and had to attend a wedding, I usually brought a girlfriend as a date. Those were always the most fun wedding receptions, too!
Yes, I used to be a grad student in English. I am now receiving a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for my grad work done in the English Department. I also received my Bachelors in English.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
oomph. 31 May 2012
i agree with baby budget blog…it's empowering being the single one sometimes! you get to mingle and talk to EVERYONE while the couples are somewhat tied down to each other! you are young…enjoy this time alone!!
Anonymous 31 May 2012
Hi Nia,
Just a helpful tip: "reoccurred" should be "recurred."
Interesting read.
nialangl 31 May 2012
Ahhh! Thanks for the tip, Anonymous!
Thanks for reading as well. =)
Natalie Coco 1 June 2012
Thanks for your sweet comment.great post.im following you right now hope you can do the same.
http://cocofashionearth.blogspot.com
Jewel Clicks 1 June 2012
awww… Nia! 🙂 Sometimes we do feel like "forever alone" but I still believe in wait for the right time for the right guy. 🙂 If that moment comes, then go for it! :)<3
Jewel Clicks
S H A M I L 1 June 2012
:))) Bravo Nia, love the story! Couldn't help but to comment although its a girl talk as I see! 🙂
Rach 2 June 2012
aww im sorry!! i definitely remember how that feels, but I agree that being single has its advantages too… the right guy will come!
http://www.sugarfilledcloset.com
candyvioleta 2 June 2012
This was kind of funny
I am in a relationship since 3 yrs, so don noe what does it feel like
Thank you for visitng my blog!
I am following you now,
Hope you do the same
http://www.candyvioleta.blogspot.in
Giuliana 4 June 2012
Hi dear, thanks a lot for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!
I'd definitely love for us to follow each other as you suggest.. Im actually already following you via GFC.. please do follow me back 🙂
As for your blog, you have impeccable writing skills, Enjoy being single and when the right guy comes you'll know 🙂
<3
-Giuliana
http://www.suededreamsinc.com
maxime 4 June 2012
such a nice post! and i really like the way you write! ^^ Maybe we can follow each other?
xx
http://maximetherapie.blogspot.be/
Francesca 5 June 2012
love this post and also your blog! It's so nice!!! I follow you!
Pass to my blog and if it likes you follow me too, I will be so glad 😀
kisses
http://francescagiusti.blogspot.com/
blackberryfashion 5 June 2012
thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 I'm following you now 🙂
http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/
Jessica 6 June 2012
thanks so much for your comment! aww yeah that stinks to be in that situation with everyone bugging you but i agree that being single is a ok and in fact weddings often have tons of single people 😉
-Jessica
http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/
Jimy Escobedo 7 June 2012
Lindo post ! Me gusto.
Saludos , te sigo !
http://www.escobedojimy.com
Ancia 8 June 2012
Great post! How you write is really interesting.
Following you, Hope you can follow back <3
X, Ancia
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join my Facebook Fanpage
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