Questions about singlehood can come from anyone, at any time. And they tend to have one thing in common: they're exhausting. There are the well-meaning friends asking if you're really happy, the curious coworkers wondering if they could set you up with a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend, and the inevitable relative inquiring about when you'll find "Mr. Right" (usually with an emphasis on the "Mr." part).
As innocent as these questions (and the people who ask them) may be, they fail to recognize that a woman's relationship status is no one else's business — and it certainly doesn't define her. Beyond that, these questions don't take into account that many women are single by choice and are perfectly happy with their lives as they are.
After all, single women are a more powerful demographic than ever before, and thankfully, there's less pressure for women to rush into a relationship now than in the past. And yet, it seems that just existing as a contemporary single woman almost guarantees a regular run-in with a nosy inquirer who's just dying to know when you'll settle down.
So we decided to informally poll our female friends and coworkers to find out which queries are the most offensive or eye-roll worthy. Click ahead for 14 questions single women are sick of hearing. Feel free to commiserate and share your own in the comments below.
This question seems to equate finding love with getting struck by lightning — it happens to you when you're in the right place at the right time.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Roughly translated: Is your single-woman status normal among your peers, or are you an unfortunate outlier?
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sure, NYC may not be the most single-friendly city in the U.S., but crossing city lines doesn't irreversibly alter your relationship status.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
The amount of time and patience we have to entertain this question is zero.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Warning: If you're asked this question, prepare for a subsequent discussion on how much you should be smiling every day.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Thanks, Aunt Margaret, I'll be sure to seriously consider this amazing offer.
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Follow-up questions might include: Why even bother leaving the house? Have you reserved your spot in the family plot yet?
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Translation: Your picker is broken, and it's all your fault.
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Ah okay, so being single must mean there's something wrong with your personality. Cool.
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"It's hard to date period. Dating with a kid is an added layer that brings complications I never could have imagined," says one R29'er. "That being said, it also makes you way less willing to waste your time on d-bags. So — silver lining!"
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
We recommend answering this question with another question: When are you going to realize that my sister and I are different people?
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
If all women were looking for a partner who was tall, handsome, and a "he," the world would be a very different (and boring) place.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
One exasperated R29'er put it best: "My relatives don't understand that dating apps aren't some digital fairy that sets you up with countless eligible bachelors with the touch of a button."
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Because, of course, attention from the opposite sex is the biggest sign of progress. Feel free to correct your interrogators and tell them that, when you decide to text a potential partner, it will be A. an adult and not a boy, B. not a male at all, or C. just kidding, you will never share details about your romantic life with nosy people ever again.
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