Thursday, January 6, 2011
It's a Dirty Job, but Someone Has To Do It
Single sucks! I know it, you know it, and we all know it. For all you New Years Resolution Stans, lets not go into a new year lying. Why are we kidding ourselves, it’s the truth. Say it with me, “Single Sucks!” Before we jump to conclusions, don’t take this as a plea, a complaint, nor an offer. Because I know how to make the best out of a bad situation, no matter what else I write in this post, under no circumstance should you think that I am not HAPPILY single. But since this is my blog, a place where everyone can be honest, I would be lying if I didn’t make the bold statement that although people enjoy being single, EVERYONE (ladies, that includes men) wants to be in a relationship. Some don’t care if it’s a bad relationship, others prefer good relationships. The point is, when the relationship produces desired results, it’s the best thing since the re-release of spandex. The only group of people I would exclude from this group would me those men and women that are in the rebound stage. Those people that are recently removed from an exhausting situation are still a little punch drunk so they need time to recover. Depending on how long they were in their past relationship, they may want to enjoy being single for a while. I guarantee though, once they’ve recovered from their past phase of obligations, they are ready to jump into a new set of rules. Funny how that works right? As much as people proclaim they love their freedom, everyone is ready to relinquish those rights as soon as something good comes along.
Naturally the question a naysayer would ask is “why are so many people single if no one really wants to be single?” Well there are a million ways to answer this question. First, I would like to say that people are lying to themselves. Yes, I’m calling some of you liars. We can agree to disagree. Look at it this way, if everyone had to make a decision where they could only be one thing, single or in a relationship for the rest of their life, what would people choose. Think before you answer. Anyone that has experienced a great relationship knows the benefits of a relationship far outweigh those of being single. How many times have we seen a male or female friend break-up with their mate and either go back to them or continue to engage in relationship activities? They do this because they know that being single is brutal. Guys aren’t up to date on the new game. Those cat daddy lines just aren’t working anymore. Women turn down the first 30 qualified men that approach them. She comes off of as the angry woman in the crew. Single sucks! People that are on the rebound are the best people to validate my bold statement. They know where they just left and are hesitant to accept the single life.
Imagine two sets of people that are out and annoyingly enjoying themselves, one is a couple and one consists of two single people. We all have seen these people before. I guarantee that the happy couple will NEVER look at the happy single people and say I wish I were them. But you better believe that at least one if not both off the single people see the couple and fantasize about being in their situation.
Although men are single and appear reluctant to “G-Dep” themselves, deep down they really want to be in a relationship. Women appear more ready because they think about it more. Men don’t think about it as much. When men decide that they want a girlfriend, you better believe their antennas are up and they are simply waiting for a qualified candidate. You don’t have to be Cornel West smart to know that a relationship offers more than being single. Single provides flexibility, minimum responsibility, and possibility of new sex daily (playa playa singles only). But none of those are necessarily great things, excluding new sex daily, just kidding. None of those make a man great. Being single is futile, and most men know that, at least the men that women should be trying to date. Being in a relationship provides definition, organization, unlimited support, unbiased friendship, and guaranteed sex daily (at least 60% of the time).
The key is finding the guy that is ready. A woman that wants a relationship will have a much more difficult time finding a man if the man is not ready. But of course there is an exception to that. If a woman is “that chick”, the man will know, and he will wake up. So ladies if you’ve been “talking” to this guy for somewhat a long time and it has yet to go anywhere, question whether or not you are “that chick”. There’s a good chance that he may not be “that dude.”
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Marriage can be great. Being single can be great. However I do think that most married people do wish to be single at some point. Its a vicious cycle of i do’s and i don'ts.
ReplyDeleteI think that marriage, to a single person is like a really expensive pair of shoes you want it so bad yet you cant get it (at least not when you want it) so you work towards getting and then you finally get the prize. But after you have worn it and received all the oohs and aaaws and then the seasons change, the novelty starts to wear off. This amazing shoe is still great but not as exciting, then as time goes on you realize how much prettier your feet where before the corns and bunions (eeewww I hope you don't let it get there, pretty feet are a must #random lol). Ok well maybe the shoe analogy is going south but my point is that after you've been married and experienced what all the hoopla is all about you may or may not start to realize that marriage is not what you thought it would be.
Simply put some don't account for change. I don't know what it is but its like the moment you say i do something just bites you in the ass and the sequence of change begins (hey just think of the phrase 7 year itch or mid life crisis excuse).
The honeymoon phase is great, better than the dating phase. This is the part that everyone wants and the way they believed it to be. Then as time goes on you start to get to comfortable and into routines which then start to get mundane and its all down hill from there. Rebounders find out that they have changed. Although they yearned for it they are no longer wired to be single. That coupled with the basic human need for companionship they themselves looking for the next, hopefully with more knowledge.
I know that some of you are saying that wont happen to me because you believe that you have the magic touch, that secret ingredient and that your marriage will be and continue to be awesome. Ill be just as bold and say thats such bullshit don't fool yourself, your not reinventing the wheel. Bottom line as humans we all want and need companionship, marriage is the most obvious way to go. But just like that parent that has a second child so that the first one isn't alone in the world, but the kids grow up and hate each other, it does always pan out the way you expect it to and you windup wanting what you had before. Both status have benefits, but just like most things in life, its hard to honestly evaluate them until you have experienced them.
Just remember that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
I generally agree with your post Es. However, you mentioned that most men want to be in a relationship. I disagree. I think they'd like the security of a long-term relationship but feel burdened by the responsibilty and work it takes to maintain one. Simply because they yearn for security and companionship, doesnt mean that they want to be in a LTR. Then again, the more people I meet, the more im starting to wonder if this not only goes for men, but women too. Smh.
ReplyDeleteYou also stated that the man would have to be "ready". When is a man really ever "ready" to wrap the game up? Never. I dont think any attractive and healthy man is ever at a point where practicing long-term (perhaps lifetime) monogamy is ever the most appealing option. Necessary because he doesn't want to die alone, but absolutely not ideal. In fact, I dare to say it would be painful.
Great post! It put some things into perspective for me. Particularly, the example of the two couples. I never thought of that and I suppose you're right:-)
Hi D.R:-) Xoxo. Donde estas?
Lady T and Pabvon, where are you??
I've decided to start 2011 off right, and finally comment on this wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteAs a single gal, I really don't have an issue with my 'singleness'. In my world 'One ISN'T the loneliest number'. Now that I'm back to dating (after a long hiatus), it's actually become fun to go out, meet new people, and find potentials.
Perhaps it's because I'm an only child, but I really don't like the idea of being 'boo'd up' all the time. A sistah needs some space! I'll admit that there are times that I feel a twinge of loneliness, but it passes quickly. I really don't envy my married friends, marriage comes with its own set of issues/problems.
At this point in my life, if 'something good' came along tomorrow; I would have to think long & hard about giving up my freedon.
Great post, looking forward to commenting more this year!
Hey guys!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Shero I'm back!
Now Es, I think it's a great post! I'm not sure where I am in my "happy to be single" phase based on your post. I enjoy being single and the longer I'm single the more I get comfortable with it. That COULD be b/c no one serious or worthy has approached me seriously. Ah well...*shrugs*
I enjoy going to the movies, dinner, walking, chilling in Barnes and Noble, etc alone. I even enjoy going to coupled up friends get togethers single. By looking at all the married couples...i'm cool... i'm in NO rush to have to compromise for the REST OF MY LIFE adjusting to someone else's moods and ego. (I had a rough day too dammit! NO I didn't cook... DID you bring anything IN?)... yeah... I like only having to worry about this "Party of 1". I've decided I'm not getting back into a relationship until I meet a man who wants to support me the way I know I'll support him. I have YET to meet that guy so i'm accepting the idea that this may be a long "lonely" walk. and very honestly when I get an "itch" we all know we can find a way to "scratch".
I have some great guy friends but I know soon they will, or already have settled down. So as they dwindle I MAY feel the need to rethink my plan but for now I agree with Samantha, guys are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
I would be lying if I said I don't miss/want companionship but that is NOT to be confused with someone just being there. So for now i'm enjoying my own company, one day someone else will enjoy it as well, until then if I chant "single sucks" I will feel like i'm doing something wrong and that there is something I can do to change my status. We all know that it's not really up to us ladies when we are in a relationship. Afterall we have to wait for the guy to be really "ready".
@ Samantha, Here I am baby! Happy New Year! I disagree with you somewhat on this. Still love you though xxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteWe like to front like we don't want to be in a relationship, but we do. Some more than others, but at the end of the day we ALL want that one joint we can call ours, lay up with and have my back. Now, IMMATURITY and external factors (rap music/pop culture) make some men want to be imaginary players all their life, but that sh*t gets old. Some men are ready to throw in the towel. I have several happily married friends, who said they were done. Most recently my boy in North Carolina found love in a girl who was a friend and basically held him down. I asked him was he ready and he said, "yeah man, I'm DONE (emphasis on done). I want this." At that point all I could do is give him a pound and tell him, send me the deets for the wedding. "Attractive, healthy men" might use their good genes and play the field longer, but still, there comes a time when you want a woman in your corner that compliments you, makes you a better man, understands you and will ultimately be a great wife.
Don't get me wrong, A LOT of men are still in their 30's and on some bullsh*t, but not ALL men are full of sh*t. And more than you think are down to hold it down with one woman. The unhappily single woman are probably saying, "then why can't I find a man if that's the case?" Only you know the answer to that and it begins with honesty from all parties
Anonymous, I wasn't necessarily talking about marriage but its definitely open for discussion. I've never been married, please excuse my ignorance. I understand that marriage sometimes can be work, but if someone is married and they wishing to be single, I would think they either didnt know what they were getting into, or they married the wrong person. Personnally, I think its the ups and downs that make any situation great, I get high off of challenges and making things work. There are no challenges when you are single except trying to figure out who's going to remove the tag.
ReplyDeleteAnd you make it seem that marriages dont work. The divorce rate is estimated at around 50%, so that mean 50% are still married. And the grass may not be greener, but that doesn't mean its less green either.
Sam, Happy New Year....so you think men are never ready? So all the faithful men in relationships were forced? A lot of men have taken the dive (lol bad word) in their prime. And that will continue as long as men keep meeting great women that can keep their attention for longer than an evening.
Ms. Christie Love, thanks for the compliment. Glad you've been reading and decided to join this craziness we call comments. We need some new blood to add insight and keep everyone on our toes.
I totally agree, being single has its benefits. I'm not an only child, but anyone that knows me will tell you I have friends but "I roll dolo from state to state." Being "involved" with someone doesnt mean you will be crowded, but it should guarantee that you will never have to worry about the twinge of loneliness passing.
At PC, I was just saying earlier that I enjoy only having to worry about myself. Trust me, this current journey of singlehood has been great, man I got some stories. But guess what, thats all I have. How does the song go, "memories dont live like people do?"
And I say "SingleSucks" for the same reason I will always say, my rental, co-op, condo sucks until I get my mansion. I use it as motivation. Also, waiting for the guy to be ready is insanity. How about saying the guy for you is a guy that is already ready. That should be a personality trait.
DR, spoken like a true G. Shake and bake.
Hope there are no typos, this is too long for me to scroll up and edit. lol
Es, I think this post is right on. Most of the people in my social cirlce seem to be opening themselves up for serious relationships rather than trying to hold on to the single's "freedom". I'm chuckling to myself as I write this because about 2 weeks ago one of my dudes had a house party after he had just gotten out his long term relatioship. He titled the evite 'Give Us Free Party'. Like another friend of mine who ended a long term relationship months back, both were refreshed to now being accountable only to themselves. This doesn't mean they were happy their relationships ended. They wanted their relationships to work and had put alot into them. Sometimes though comprimises can't be met. So rather than force something that's going to make you unhappy, stop where you are and seek happiness elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a part of our human nature to love and seek love. People all over the world partner up for monagamous intimate companionship. This doesn't mean that everyone seeks and stays committed to a one-on-one relationship but it's an idea that most people do search for.
As for being married, Anonymous, no person in a "good" marriage wishes they were single at any point. There are times when they may wish they could do things that single people do, but there is a big differences. Let me give you an example: My friends(single) have been talking about taking a trip to Brazil for the longest. I'd like to go but my wife is like "hell no". I appreciate her misgivings about my participation to some degree but a "bruh" wants to go to Brazil. Now me wanting to kick it with my dudes in Brazil no way equates to me wanting to be single. Needless to say I haven't been to Brazil. Matter fact I enjoy my relationship so much that I make sure that my partner is cool with all the "single" activities I do with my single friends. Also in response to Anonymouse let me add marriage is all about change. Your marriage SHOULD grow as you and your partner grow. You can't have growth without change. What happens when things no longer grow? They die. How people get married and change everything in their lives like their job, house, car, kids, hair, church, weight, friends, activities, and more; then expect their marriage not to change and say to their spouse "YOU'VE CHANGED" is beyond me.
Hey guys! Sorry I’m late…
ReplyDeleteI’m a female and I’m proud to say “Single Sucks!” BUT only because it’s not what I envisioned for myself long term.
Like Pabvon and Ms. Christie Love said, I do enjoy the freedom of being single, especially my “me time.” However, I don’t equate being in a relationship to having to give that up. I have witnessed relationships where there is a nice balance between couple time and individual time. That’s what I seek.
@Samantha – I see your point. It does APPEAR that men don’t want to settle down, but I have to agree with the guys that it’s not actually true. I think men fear growing old alone just as much as women do but since they “feel young" longer than we do, our timing doesn’t connect as often as it should. Plus, I don’t think any man really wants to cook and clean for himself for the rest of his life. They need some help. Lol!
@Es – Thanks for this post. Not many people are willing to say that Single Sucks because they are happy with life RIGHT NOW but LTR’s are about the future and about family. In 15-20 yrs from now will you still be happy with being single? I can’t say for certain that I would. One day I want to enjoy the benefits of joint income, I want my kids to throw me a 50th surprise bday like we did for my mom, but more importantly, I want someone to take care of me if I get sick when I’m older.
True Story: My mom’s single friend was home alone and had a stroke a few days before Xmas. Thankfully she was able to call an ambulance before going unconscious, but she had to spend two days in the hospital alone because she couldn’t remember anyone’s phone number. My mom called her house a few times but since she had no family around to tell my mom what happened, she just assumed that her friend was busy doing holiday stuff and she kept going with her day.
Stuff like this is more common than you think and hearing about it makes me see the value in not being single in the future. If more people thought about the future, more love connections might be made.
@Lady T- "I think men fear growing old alone just as much as women do but since they “feel young" longer than we do, our timing doesn’t connect as often as it should." Good point!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a man, so I cant totally claim to know for sure. However, I've seen men in love and to me its just seems like a temporary infatuation. Ive seen a few women in love and when they are, they seem absolutely enchanted, like no other man in the world exists. But to men, even when they are "in love", other women still exist. Being that these women "exist" and that a man will be physically inclined, it makes sense that he'd "deny" them so as to pursue the LTR (and sometimes not). Anyway, the rejection of his inclinations wont be enjoyable. If there were to be no consequences, he would indulge. A man's utopian picture of a relationship would be a primary spouse with a few others he is sexually involved with.
Men stay in LTRs because they are forced to.
Firstly, if he indulges in his other physical inclinations, he will risk influencing his partner to do the same by setting a standard for their relationship. And we know men can't stand to think about their woman getting turned out by another penis.
And secondly, if he indulges and his partner is aware of this, she may choose to leave. Thus witholding all of her love, sex, companionship, etc. which he has become used to and, perhaps, GENUINELY longs for. He's chosen her, so she's obviously his favorite. It would seem an inevitable result, that'd he miss her.
Lol. So, that is my theory. Nothing against men. In fact, I love men. I just hold my own opinion on the nature of human beings. I hope the Mighty D.R. doesnt call me bitter and jaded. Lol.
Nice post! Very true, most people don't want to be single. But then again a lot of people naturally levitate towards relationships that may not be good for them. For example, if you check out my blog, we have plenty of people that write in with their relationship drama, sometimes it's easier to tell them to just forget the other person because it's not even worth it. Is it better to be in a bad relationship than none at all? I wonder that whenever we get a question that seems to be about an unhealthy relationship!
ReplyDelete"Men stay in LTRs because they are forced to."
ReplyDeleteSam, Sam, Sam... I thought I was hard on men at times but you definitely got me beat. LOL! C'mon I know you have a little faith in them somewhere. :-)
The one thing I've learned and know without a doubt is that you CANNOT force a man to do anything. If a man stays in a LTR it's because he wants to. END OF STORY. Now his reasons for wanting to stay in it may not always be right or fair to the woman but to say that he's forced is a stretch. Truthfully, not even marriage is a force these days which is why divorce is so rampant. When a man wants out, he gets out. (SIDENOTE: I'm not implying that only men serve divorce papers, women do too)
As women we sometimes put too much emphasis on men's desire to be with multiple women, thinking it's the only source of our problems. However, infidelity isn't the only reason why couples divorce. Money is also a strong contender in this battle. Therefore, "other women" is not the only reason why a man would NOT settle down. It could just be as simple as the women he's with is not a match for him.
Even after being cheated on, I still believe that a man could love me and be dedicated to me enough to refrain from cheating. Cheating is a choice, not a natural instinct. I think your theory is removing responsibility from men and placing it on nature. You have to remember that human's aren't only powerful because we have opposable thumbs. We have the highest brain power of all animals. If we can build airplanes, bridges and tunnels, we can certainly rise above cheating.
"Cheating is a choice, not a natural instinct." Hmmmmm. Im not sure about this one. Lol.
ReplyDeleteBut my thoughts are purely speculation. However, I find my position on things to slightly adjust with every new experience had or described to me. You may be on to something:-) And as I said, Es' example comparing the two couples was food for thought. And D.R's suggestion that everyone should look at their situation objectively was spot on too! All great things to consider...
In the meantime... its my story and im sticking to it;-) LMAO!
interesting theory that cheating may not be a choice but a natural instinct. I'd like to know what the fellas have to say about this.
ReplyDeleteI know for me it was a choice... to act on my attraction for someone I couldn't resist but none the less I decided to do it after thinking about my actions.
@ Lady T, we're usually miles apart, but I'm feelin your 2nd post.
ReplyDelete@ My baby Samantha, I'm not gonna call my boo jaded or bitter, but some jive turkey stepped in and interrupted you as you walked down your path. When I find him, I'm gonna f**k him up. Then I'm gonna hug you, kiss you then shake you one good time! All with love though ;)
Now, that I addressed 2 out of my 3 fave ladies, shout out to PC and here we go....ahem
Men are in LTR because of two things: 1) genuine love and a want to be with this person and 2) complacency. If a man is unhappy he will bolt. Period. No ifs ands or buts. #1 is obvious so I'll go into #2, Complacency. The following is the attitude of a complacent individual. "Sure I might not be "in love" with my girl, but I do love her. She does the required "Woman duty", holds me down, nags me, complains etc, but we've been together in the relationship, albeit unhealthy, for 6 years. I know her, she knows me why am I leaving for the unknown. Better stay with a devil I know, than a devil I don't." Is there verbal, perhaps even physical abuse and infidelity in this relationship? Most likely, but both parties most likely share the "it is what it is" attitude. Any man still in a relationship he is not 80% satisfied in (80/20 rule) he is in it because he is COMFORTABLE not forced.
As far as cheating, I'm a science guy and we are animals. For those saying "who you calling an animal?", fine we're mammals. With that said, Monogamy is an oddity. That's right I said it! Only 3-5% of animals, oops mammals in the world have life long partners. Beavers, Otters, Jackals, Foxes, some Bats a few dwarf Deer and Antelopes are some of the known animals to be monogamous. I may be slick as a Fox and smooth as an Antelope, but at the end of the day my species is Homosapien. I'm going to always see a fat a** or a nice pair of cans that will catch my attention. Doesn't mean I have to act on it.
I applaud Lady T and agree with her that we can rise above cheating. Because we aren't wired to be monogamous by science doesn't mean we can use that as an excuse to cheat. By nature we should want to be respectful and honor our relationships by choosing to remain faithful to our partner.
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ReplyDeleteLol Mighty! It feels good to actually be on the same side as you.
ReplyDeleteI came back to this post cause I had a serious SINGLE SUCKS! moment today. So I thought I'd add another reason why single sucks... Decision Making!
I consider myself to be a decisive person. I do have my moments of indecisiveness but it's usually over trivial things where I really don't care which way the situation goes. However, there are times when dilemmas arise (like today) and although I am quite capable of making a decision on my own, I really wish I had someone to share the responsibility with. Someone who would be proactive in helping me figure it out, not just to make sure he isn't negatively affected by my decision but because he understands that we're in this together, my steps are his steps and vice versa.
Sigh... Being the decisive person that I am, I quickly devised a resolution to my issue but it still has me thinking SINGLE SUCKS!