Recently, I was talking with a friend of mine who lamented that she could not do something because it would be “full of couples.” When I pressed her, she admitted that she felt like single people and couples live in two different worlds—especially in our over-forty age demographic. I wasn’t exactly sure it this was coming from her, or if it was a reality in the world of adults and single parents, so I thought I would bring it to all of you here to discuss.
Another friend of mine recently took a vacation with two other couples as the only “single.” She confessed that she had a fantastic time and loved having the time to herself, plus, she said that she got to spend time with all of her fellow travelers as couples and individually. I cannot help but think that some of the perceived “division” between the couple world and the single world has something to do with one’s attitude.
Perhaps in days gone by, or in certain communities—couples hang out with couples and try to push the singles from their midst, but I find that more and more people tend to socialize in a mix. I know that I cherish my other single parent friends as we have shared experiences and can provide support and empathy for each other—but I am not opposed to my couple friends just because they are couples.
Immediately following my divorce, my social world went through a transformation. I admit that I do not really “hang out” with many of the couples who were part of my former social circle, but that has to do with much more than just my becoming single. Lifestyles change, interests change, and we all evolve in different directions. Not to mention, moving to a new neighborhood can shake up who you spend time with too. If you do not socialize with many couples, you might ask yourself “why” before you assume it is because you are single.