Writing Solutions

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The High Cost of Being Single

By Gail Paparian

I didn't ask to be single again. After seven months of missing my best friend and husband, I am all too aware that he is gone from this earth. The idea that it's a bad dream and I will somehow wake up and he will be there has become a distant dream.

I'm working on making new friends who are in my boat you know, people who are intelligent, fun, like to use their brain, travel, eat, play golf, chat, whatever you know friends who are "single." It's an adjustment; but so is everything else.

I'm making progress, as I force myself to be positive. Trying to maintain an upbeat attitude and the new friends help. However, just when I think I'm really moving forward, something happens that just blows sand in my face.

Here's an example. I got an invitation to a local dinner/fundraiser. The cost is $35 per person, or $60 per couple. How come? Because I'm single, does that mean my dinner costs more? Because I'm single and I no longer get my "couple's discount"- why does it cost me more money to go to an event? Does my dinner cost more to prepare? Am I taking up more room? It's bad enough to force myself to go alone but why do I have to pay more for it?

There are lots of transitions that people must face when they lose a mate. The one thing they shouldn't have to deal with is paying more to attend an event because they are no longer a twosome. Think about it people, you're going to be there someday, so let's all learn a little consideration.

Now the question is- do I want to attend the $35 dinner when others are paying $30?