So many of you had some STRONG feelings about my Bumble post that I wrote here. Most agreed with me, and some didn’t catch the humor in it. And some had valid points that they did find THE ONE on Bumble. Bravo to you, honestly! That’s great. So maybe today we preface this post with: IT’S FOR FUN FRIENDS. But in all seriousness, I am a little sick and tired of a few phrases from coupled-up folks that we single people keep hearing over and over again.
It’s true, I am SICK and tired of hearing the same bull shit over and over. No one has an original idea it seems. Some of you sound like a broken, inconsiderate, record. Why? Well, some of your questions although you may mean well, they just don’t come off that way. You may not even realize it, and I get that. You want us to find love
Here are a few that I’m 100% done with answering. And a suggestion on what to ask INSTEAD. I’m all about solutions here, friends. Here’s the list…
7 Things To Stop Saying To Single People
And 7 things to ask or say instead!
1. Tell me some good dating stories…..
Oh, this may be the best one. It’s like married people are looking for entertainment through my suffering of bad fucking dates, getting ghosted, and being mistreated by men. They think it’s hysterical and just want to “hear more, oh please keep going this is too funny”. It’s kind of rude, don’t you think? I think they’re expecting a scene out of SATC when we gab over cosmos about bad dates. But sometimes these dates leave us feeling terrible, sad, and honestly it sucks sometimes. So to ask for stories of miserable experiences seems a little strange, don’t you think?
Let’s turn the tables, shall we, Sheryl? Tell me about the time you got in trouble at work? Tell me about the time your significant other made you feel like shit? Dating stories are great but don’t ASK for them. If I’m willing to share the pathetic details of that date I went on with that damn loser who ghosted me, I’ll tell you. Don’t pry it out of me. It only makes me feel worse about the whole situation and reminds me of how terrible this dating scene can be.
ask this, “tell me something that’s going on in your life that you’re excited about”…. it may just be about a boy if you’re lucky and you’ll get that crazy dating story anyway! Instead
2. You’ll meet someone, I’m sure…..
Oh, are you sure, Sheryl? That’s great, then why haven’t you set me up with anyone? Why do you not invite me out with you and your husband when you do cool things? I would love to meet someone through a friend of a friend, and for some reason, married friends just don’t invite the single people out. I also find that people offer this motivational line whenever they ask “how’s dating going” and I respond with “oh nothing really happening or on the horizon” and they respond with “oh I’m sure you’ll meet someone…” as if I was in need of being consoled. Or that I’m HAVING to meet someone. Which
Instead ask this, “I know a friend who would be great for you, are you open to a blind date?” YES people. GIVE ME THE BLIND DATES!
3. Why don’t you put yourself out there? You never know!
Am I supposed to live my life with the belief that “you never know” what may happen? I should just say yes to every god damn invitation I get from any and everyone? And for the record, most single people I know, do put themselves out there A LOT. Single people are the busiest people I know. My
Instead, ask this, “hey, want to come hang out with me?” just invite us out! I’d rather “put myself out there” with friends and make memories together all at the same time. Win, win.
4. Why don’t you get on the apps?
Yes, we ALL know about the apps. This isn’t news to us. If you’re single, you know about them, you’ve been on them. Period. I don’t need you to remind me that there are apps because it is a BRUTAL space to meet people and get to know someone. It takes a ton of work, time and energy. And there’s one in particular that I just don’t like… remember this article?
Here’s the thing, I know you know a friend of a friend who found their forever person on the app. That’s great. But, the apps are tough. And miserable. And it sucks. I appreciate the tip, but like, the apps have been around for years, this isn’t news Sheryl. These apps aren’t also as easy as ordering an Uber. They take SO MUCH DAMN WORK to chat, small talk, swipe, try to meet up, get
Instead, just don’t talk about it actually, it’s just all bad. Leave your dating app suggestions at the door, I’ve been on them ALL. And update, it’s all the same men and all the same BS. And most definitely do not ask “to swipe” to see what it’s like.
5. Why are you single
Oh. Really? I should just list my faults. Or are you looking for me to say I’m too picky? Which then does that say you weren’t picky enough? I despise this question. As if we’re supposed to start listing out the shit my therapist and I talk about. I’ve turned the tables on this one. I love answering this one a little differently now…
“I’m single because I run my own business by myself. I work from home doing what I love usually in my sweatpants at my own speed. I travel a TON exploring the world with incredible friends. To be honest, I am living my BEST FUCKING LIFE and that’s why I’m single. I’ve yet to meet a man who lives up to the awesomeness of my friends and family. And until that person shows up, I’m good.”
This mindset took some time to sink in though. And I hope, you reading this who are single, can try to shift your mind here a little too. Because it’s liberating. I personally don’t want to have my own kids and have never had this burning desire to walk down the aisle in a dress. So I’ve started to approach dating and the single mindset a little differently.
Instead, ask this, “what can I do to help you meet some new people outside your circle?”. I love when friends are eager to introduce me to new people. So just do it! Even if it’s just inviting us to your work happy hour, or to that neighborhood festival with old friends, just ASK. I’d much rather tackle “you never know” experiences with my actual friends.
6. It’ll happen when you least expect it
Along with my death. But like seriously, what does that mean? And why does this usually also come with the other comments of putting yourself out there, or changing my expectations? Which is it? Expect it, or don’t?
But this recommendation to me is a bit obnoxious. So just give up and let it happen? I do agree a bit though, that you can’t sit around and just think NONSTOP about how you need to find someone. This goes back to the mindset shift that happened for me in 2019. Lower your expectations of what dating should look like a bit and know that not every date you go on has to be THE ONE possibly. Okay so Sheryl may be right, but just stop saying it….
Instead, say this, “keep doing you, girl, you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re a badass”. Seriously, because no one is doing anything wrong or right, we’re just living our
life .
7. I’m glad I missed out on the online dating era
Yes, Sheryl, you are so lucky. But you are also so insensitive. Correct, the online dating world is not great, it’s grim at best. But your negativity is killing my vibe. And also making you look like a total heartless friend. Glad you found your forever person while in college when we were surrounded by future husbands. I’ll await your 50% chance rate of divorce so you and I can compare Hinge profiles in a few years
Instead, say this “I’m an asshole for saying that”. Seriously. Just don’t even.
If you’re married, coupled up, whatever, and are chatting with your single friends, I urge you to instead ask us how life is going in general. Work, social, whatever. Ask us to get together even with your significant other. I like my friends’ husbands and boyfriends and partners. Why do
