Why Are You Still Single?

Don't you just love those TV documentaries which pose a question in the title?  You know the sort - the question has to do with some aspect of human nature, anatomy, social interaction or whatever and clearly implies that doing whatever is being questioned is abnormal, and if you are doing it, then you are a weirdo.  The other implication of using such titles is that the answer to the question posed is not only vital to know, but also somehow mysterious and arcane, requiring in depth investigation.  Anyway, as you've undoubtedly already guessed, one such documentary has caught my attention and riled me.  The programme in question was part of Channel Four's 'Dating Season' and was entitled Why Are You Still Single?, in which two people who have been unattached for a while swap lives to try and find out why the other is still single.  Now, as a habitually single person, I can answer the question 'Why are you still single?' quite simply, without the need for a documentary:  because I choose to be.

It never ceases to amaze me that large sections of our media seem to find it so difficult to accept that some of us like being single.  Being alone doesn't scare us - we aren't lonely.  We enjoy our own company.  Mainly because we are at ease with ourselves.  The fact is that I don't actually need anyone else in my life.  It is that simple.  Perhaps we loners make those media types feel inadequate?  Who knows.  But I do object to the clear implication in the documentary title that you re somehow abnormal if you aren't in a relationship.  Mind you, it isn't just the media.  Politicians are just as bad, forever giving tax breaks to married couples.  Indeed, 'Call me Dave' Cameron allegedly spends a lot of his time telling single female aides how they should get married as it is so wonderful.  Fuck off Dave.  No, really, just fuck off.  Getting back to the point, is it any wonder the divorce rate is so high if single people are constantly being harassed into believing that they are sad bastards if they don't marry someone.  Anyone.  Regardless of compatibility. All that matters is that you enter that superior state of matrimony.