Working World

I wish I had $100 for every time I’ve been asked, “Why aren’t you married?” Even though I’m not technically single anymore (I live with my significant other in a house we bought together), I still get asked the question on an almost daily basis when people catch a glimpse of my unadorned ring finger. Don’t you hate that? I never know what to say to that question, as I think it’s the height of rudeness — except, of course, when our mothers ask it, then you know they’re just being typical, meddling moms.

Surfing the web today, I found a site that offers clever rejoinders for the next time you’re asked that question: “What? And spoil my great sex life?” or “I’m waiting for you to get divorced so I can marry your wife/husband,” and “I’m waiting for your son/daughter to turn 18.” These cheeky solutions and other fabulous advice for men and women flying solo can be found at the new social network site called Single Edition.

More than ever before, people are deliberately waiting to get married — or putting it off entirely — and embracing singledom. A recent marketing study cited in The New York Times found that most singles are younger than 45. They also are more open to advertising pitches. Singles are influential marketing targets with huge buying power, and that is sure to be reflected in new ad campaigns we’ll be seeing this year that increase the visibility of happily unmarried people. We’ll also have impact on this year’s presidential elections.

Single Edition differs from Facebook and other sites because it isn’t putting the emphasis on hooking up. More and more people are now choosing to be single, and leading very happy and fulfilled lives as a result of that choice. Singles have traditionally been socially stigmatized and pitied by society. In the working world, unmarried people cannot take advantage of employers’ spousal health benefits or the federal tax code which favors married couples.

Single Edition (www.singleedition.com) has several great articles on how to enjoy life as a free agent. From career advice to vacations for one, it’s all good.

Katy Allgeyer is an artist and freelance writer. She writes the Feng Shui column for Working World and the Tell Us About It column for Working Nurse.

1 COMMENTS

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  Feb 25, 2010