I despise family reunions. Not only because Aunt Marge rubs off her pungent smelling century-old lipstick when she kisses both my cheeks (sometimes with a slurping sound… eew!), but because of that dreadful question everybody asks.
“Why aren’t you married yet?” Of course they deliver that line with a worried expression.
I could still tolerate the “When” question. (e.g. When are you getting married?). Although I still cringe, it’s still answerable with… “In fifty years when I’m old and wrinkly”, I say that with a laugh.
And then you could see that disgusted look on their faces, not only because of your sarcasm but they didn’t get the satisfaction of embarassing you. That’s when I’d laugh some more.
“So WHY aren’t you married yet?”
Most of the time that question leaves me dumbfounded for like 3 seconds. Not that I don’t know how to react but merely because of shock, I didn’t expect it’s something you’d normally ask a 26-year old single girl. And then they’ll actually wait for you to say something sensible and explain why you remain the pitiful and miserable person you are.
1…2…3… think fast! “I’m still enjoying my single life!” I snap with a sweet smile. In my mind I’m screaming “HOW DARE YOU?!”
Sometimes I’m thinking of wearing a clown costume to family reunions just to avoid the topic. Hey, since I’m always the topic of conversation, why not talk about my fabulous rubber nose for a change?
I don’t know if they realize that I’m only 26 years old. Isn’t that just the age when you are at the prime of your singlehood? You have a rewarding job, you get to decide on your own, you get to travel, you get to meet lots of different people, you get to flirt (unless you’re attached), you have no curfew, and you have a disposable income. (Think about all the shoes you can buy! 
)
Maybe for some, marriage is a prerequisite to having a fulfilled life. I think no matter how young you are, you will want, and sometimes get that sense of fulfillment. Of course, you’ll always wish there’s something more. No matter how cliché it sounds, I’m still trying to find mine, and marriage isn’t the only answer to that. Yes, I still want to get married and have family someday, and I might have met the right person. But for now, I’m still not ready yet to settle down…maybe in a year or two, (or three). Right now I’m still enjoying my singlehood. So don’t make me wear a clown costume.
