Growing up, pop culture taught me one thing. If, by some shocking turn of events, I ever found myself single in adulthood, I would have no shortage of coupled friends inviting me to dinner parties as a ruse to play Cupid.
Kind but dull, attractive but painfully aware of it, follically challenged but financially sorted … I envisaged a potluck of potential suitors; a buffet of potential beaux to sample until I found a palatable dish.
Fast forward a few, ahem, decades, and my friends have refused to come to the party. I’ve been set up exactly once (awkwardly, the setter-upper and my date are now married) and otherwise been forced to fend for myself in the hellscape that is online dating.
Perhaps I’m the problem, and everyone is too busy throwing soirées for their more marriageable pals? I’ve considered the possibility, of course. However, a poll of singles in my circle suggests this dereliction of duty isn’t personal, it’s de rigueur.
And, quite frankly, it’s not good enough.
The resurgence of professional matchmaking services reveals two salient facts. We’ve all had our fill of the apps. And the people who know us best aren’t pulling their weight.
Couples, come on now. It’s time to get up off your love seat and set up a single friend!
Yes, it might take a little effort to come up with some options. Sure, it might be awkward if things don’t work out. But you know what else takes effort? Engaging in endless dead-end conversations or getting all dolled up on a Tuesday to endure two hours of questionable “banter”.
Sharing your outrage over your partner’s seemingly endless domestic failures? That’s no walk in the park either. So, do us singles a solid and find some tolerable humans for us to share a G&T with.
Who knows. One day, you might be in our position, and we’ll be only too happy to return the favour.
