On being alone: I spent years trying to find a great partner. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my own company; but, in the long term, looking at every potential big event and decision, I knew I wanted more.
Some people genuinely prefer to live on their own: it’s peaceful, tidy and calm, and it’s what they become accustomed to. But it was just the little things made me realise I was lonely: I was on a work phone call with a lady, and she was interrupted by her partner bringing her a cup of tea. A pang of sorrow went through me, as I longed for that simple kindness.
I went to the cinema on my own. Easy: you are sitting in the dark watching and listening! I went to a wedding on my own. Easy: I knew a lot of people there. But there’s nothing than can replace that special intimacy of having someone to come home to, to give you a cuddle when you’re feeling down in the dumps.
When my own wedding finally arrived, I made a table just for all my single friends. I don’t know why more people don’t do that; being on your own would be a lot easier if society made more room for single people. Back in the day, communities would embrace the single people. Every community was one giant matchmaking agency, helping to pair off the single folk among them!
