Are you still flying solo despite all your friends being in long-term relationships, married, or even married with kids? It can feel awkward being the last single person left, especially when plans and group chats are filled with couple outings, weddings, and baby showers, while you're still third-wheeling and getting asked, "So... are you seeing anyone yet?" But, as awkward as it might feel, being the last one standing solo doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, even if on some days you're convinced you're somehow "unlovable."
So why are you still single while all your friends have been paired off? Here's a deeper look behind why that might be, and why there's nothing to be worried about.
You're Picky
Your friends might have already noticed this and brought it up, but you're pickier than most. Maybe you have a very specific ideal type (such as a man in finance, trust fund, 6'5, blue eyes), or maybe you only prefer those who are almost the exact mirror of you, meaning they share the same opinions, values, personality, and style. The point is: you're definitely not keen on settling for someone who doesn't match your tastes 100%, and that can immediately shrink the dating pool and your list of potential partners.
Perhaps your standards have changed dramatically over the years, too. You can no longer tolerate any form of disrespect or emotional immaturity, and you certainly won't justify someone's behavior just to keep seeing them. You never understood why some of your friends have been able to overlook some of their past partners' actions when you wouldn't have been so lenient. To you, if you can't see how someone might fit perfectly into your life, it's game over for them.
You're Happier Flying Solo
Some people feel incomplete without a partner. You don't feel the same way, and you don't see yourself as one half trying to make a whole. You're your own person, after all, and you hope that any potential partner feels the same way.
Unlike your friends who enjoy sharing an apartment, going to local events, and traveling with someone else, you're happy doing all those things by yourself. That doesn't mean that you wouldn't like to do those activities with a partner, but that you don't mind being independent, and you certainly won't rush into a relationship just to "fill the void." Because of this mindset, you don't feel as pressured to couple up.
You Don't Want to Rely on Dating Apps
While your friends are constantly pressuring you to get on the apps, you're not so enthusiastic. Sure, maybe you're on there from time to time, just to see who's out there, but you're not forcing sparks when there are none. You've had some not-so-great experiences in the past, and you don't want to deal with the headache.
Or perhaps you're not on the apps at all, and you can't see yourself ever using them. To you, it feels strange to match with strangers online, meet with them in person after a short conversation, and immediately search for chemistry when you barely know them. You much prefer organic interactions, and so, you put yourself out there instead of relying on the online dating pool.
You Simply Have a Different Timeline
Even though all your friends are paired or married off, that doesn't necessarily mean you're living "wrong" or that you're "unlovable." It can feel awkward to be the last single person in the group, but maybe all it indicates is that you're on a different timeline, a different chapter, than everyone else. Why assume that they're living in the "right" way and you're the one who's behind?
Plus, you're still growing and figuring yourself out. You're enjoying spending time solo, and you're happy being independent. If a partner were to join you later down the road, they'd be welcome. But you're not going to force the universe to drop a person for you just because you want to be coupled up, too. When the time comes, it'll happen. Until then, there's nothing wrong with being exactly where you are.
