There's Always Resistance when you Buck the Status Quo

I’m really kind of hating it that when people ask me if I’m dating anyone, and I say “no,” they immediately launch into this pity thing. Additionally, if I state that this is because I am not interested and that I have decided to be single, that I have to hear all this crap about, “Oh, don’t give up. Don’t talk like that. You’ll find someone when you least expect it.” Blah blah BLAH. I would like someone around to do some of the heavy labor sometimes, but really, I ain't suffering.

Why is “finding someone” required by society? I understand that they all boarded the ark two by two. That’s fine. And other species should continue this pattern as the rates of extinction for many are alarming. But there are far too many humans on this planet already, so it is really not reliant on me personally to breed in order to propagate the species.

When I decided to be single and to remove all that pressure from myself, I began a long, ongoing thought process, working toward a decision as to how I will contribute to the world, care for it and its children, in an especially unique way since I have decided not to get tied down with my own hubby, kids, two minivans and three mortgages. And an alternative life began to spring up before my eyes. A much simpler one, and much saner. I'm not so worried about dying all the gray out of my hair anymore.

I decided to pursue what I really wanted, specifically because I do have that freedom. I've decided, in my late 30s, to go to grad school and get my Master's in Public Health and work toward a job in international hunger relief. I had written just a few months back about wanting quite the idyllic life for myself, but something (God?) began gnawing at me, saying "Comfortable is not your destiny. VEE HAVE OTHER PLANS FOR JOO..."

So, I'm planning to get a roommate, save like mad for two years, and then go to grad school. I've found a very affordable program right here at UGA in Athens, Georgia. I'll likely sell my place at that point and get a small apartment in Athens, because then not only can I save energy and money home-wise, but I can use my car just the once a week I need to drive back and care for my mom rather than using it every day. In Athens you can get around completely by bus and bicycle. Two years away, but I will finally reduce my footprint in a meaningful way.

Because I’m not tied down, I can do something radical. It will be my way of helping improve things and spreading peace. Sure, maybe I’ll find someone like-minded in the streets of Calcutta or something, or even in grad school, and that would be fine. But honestly, I do not need to plan my life around "pairing up." Especially not with this superficial lot around here.

So why with the pity, people? This is a good thing!