Boyfriend-less

Being single really is not the worst thing that could happen to you, except when people around you
make you feel like it is the end of the world. NEWS FLASH: not EVERYONE needs to be getting         engaged every other day.

Call me cynical, but have we all forgotten about a little thing called the "divorce rate"? 50% of all marriages end in divorce, with percentages aiming for the 70's in current marriages. If that doesn't help you snap back into reality, I don't know what will. But of course, everyone thinks that their relationship is so different that they can overcome anything. Face it- it doesn't matter how wonderful your relationship is, everyone has their problems and unfortunately, divorce might wind up being your only solution.

Having been in the wedding industry, I can confidently tell you I have met couples who are truly in love, thought they were, or were headed straight towards divorce within 18 months. You can't tell a couple who is high on pre-wedding bliss that they shouldn't be wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a wedding that they are going to be paying off even after their divorce. It's a shame, but it's the truth.

I find it funny that just because you are in the industry, people automatically assume you are in a relationship, are engaged and planning the wedding of the century, or happily married. Once someone realizes I'm not engaged or in a relationship, the tone in their voice and the look on their faces changes, with the usual, "OH." response (and then they quickly switch the subject).

Do I want a boyfriend? Sure.

Do I need one? Definitely not.

Once the holidays rolled around this year, I found myself being thankful for not having the expense of a boyfriend and continually reminded my single friends of this upside. What's the point of being completely miserable during a joyous time when you could be spending that extra money on yourself?  :)

I know plenty of people get into relationships just so they aren't lonely during the holidays or just to be able to say that they actually are in a relationship (I call them serial monogamists).  I see absolutely no point in that.

My happiness and sanity are far more important to me than subjecting myself to a relationship that doesn't truly bring me the happiness that I want and deserve in order to give into the intense (and absurd) social pressures. That's why I'm okay with being....

boyfriend-less.

(for the time being)