Occupation....Being Single

Who knew being single could be so exhausting? Don’t get me wrong, being single is great in the sense that there is no one else to consider or think about but your one and only self. Now as freeing and wonderful as that can be 90 percent of the time. There are moments where being single can ruin a strong, independent, usually cheerful women’s’ mind.

Recently a girlfriend and I took a trip down to Mayan Riviera. The first thing I realized during this trip is that travel centers should really have a fine print stating that this area (Mayan Riviera) is not for single ladies. There should have been a fine print stating "CAUTION, FAMILY AND COUPLE INFESTED." I rather have dealt with the swine flu over the overcrowded love nesters, children hogging the ice cream buffet, leaving barely enough rainbow sprinkles to cover my own cone. Yes single people all over let it be known that Mayan Riviera is not where you will “accidently” bump into your future husband/wife or even one night stand. It is rather a place that will remind you that being isolated with your boyfriend/girlfriend for seven days will in fact bring on many ridicules fights. As well as remind you what it’s like to entertain children 24/7 without the help of dropping them off at some daycare or school.
However as many fights as I witnessed with the couples that surrounded our resort, I was also reminded of the special moments found only in relationships. Being surrounded by couples made me remember what it’s like to care for someone. That type of love that is so intense even the fights are in some sick way enjoyable. Not to mention what it’s like to carry around your luggage when you don’t have a significant other. Airlines should provide single girls with a personal assistant!! Now please be reminded that this is not my typical thinking method. I truly enjoy being single as much as being in a relationship. I believe in finding the balance in oneself that will allow you to be just as content in both worlds. And much of this type of thinking was not only caused by the romantic scenery, but also of that unfortunate visitor of the month that I was lucky enough to enjoy while in Mexico.
Today, being single is best portrayed in the movie “He’s Just Not That into You.” We have to keep our Facebook updated with pictures from our latest party nights where we are dressed fabulously. In order to remind that special individual on our friend list that we are that sexy siren they should be profile stalking. And let me tell you how tiring it is to be constantly snapping away pictures, where we try to look our most fantastic while standing with another person whom we most likely don't even care for. But yet we feel this person is perfect for our profile picture because they will A) allow us to look great because you have most likely decided they are not as good looking as you. And B) they allow you to not look so self absorbed since that profile picture isn’t of yourself, sitting in your room, trying to look sexy. When in fact you are doing absolutely nothing but posing for hours on end to get the perfect picture. Exhausted yet? Being single today also means you need to consistently make sure you’re in your most uncomfortable yet stylish outfit. Even though you are really dreaming of your Nike runners and lulu lemon sweats. We have been trained by all the fairy tale stories that, “you really don’t know when that special someone will magically come and sweep you off your feet.” So we are always prepared in the latest toe pinching stilettos.
For all the work this takes I’m really starting to think that companies should give us single days off. Single people could use some leeway just to take off some of the edge. In many ways being single is extremely time consuming and some breaks from our 9 to 5 grind would be nice. Being single involves research (best online dating sites, learning what each body movement translates to), observation (is there a ring? is there a tan line of where a ring used to be?), multitasking( walking in six inch heels, while scanning the room for eligible candidates and all the while carrying a drink). If you ask me all of this is more work than a full time job.

The good news is that if all things go as "naturally” planned, in three days I will remind you of the fabulous life which is singlehood, till then….
Hugs,

Sherry Ahkami
http://www.cupidslink.ca/