Single Life

I appreciate that single life was presented as a gift, not a ‘disease’. So often people act as if being single is the worst possible thing; I beg to differ. Even though I do want to eventually be married and have a family, I have come to terms with singleness. I believe that I have learned so much about myself that I may not have were I to still be married. I appreciate that OC finds it important to let marrieds know the needs of singles. It was great to break off into groups and have the singles discuss what they wish married people knew and then have the married people discuss the advantages of having a single person on the team.
I appreciate that OC views us as a person with a life and acknowledges that we don’t necessarily have more time than someone whom is married. I really appreciate Diane pointing out that we as singles need a listening ear at times. Married people usually have their spouses to talk through things with; it’s important to get another perspective at times. Opposite of family life, I think it’s important for families to remember to include a single person at times.
I agree that as a single, often my greatest enemy is self-pity; that and loneliness. It is my responsibility to make my needs known and not just expect others to know and meet them. It is also important for me to remember that not all of my needs will be met. I really think that this is true of all people, not just singles. Even in marriage we have to make our needs known and realize that our spouse cannot meet all of our needs.
The most important thing for me to have heard was that I need to allow couples to do the things for me that I am wanting and asking them to do, without feeling bad or like a mooch. I can often be too independent and don’t always like others to do things for me, yet I can get frustrated that I am having to do so much on my own; a bit of an oxymoron. I already have to put this into practice as I am hunting for a job and need assistance from others. I have a feeling this will be an ongoing process as a missionary; I will have to get used to having to ask for support from others and allowing them to support me. It is a good, humbling experience.