Just before my thirtieth birthday, I managed to buy a two-bedroom flat in Manchester. I live there alone, and so far I havent stumbled upon a potential husband; not even a vaguely promising boyfriend in sight.
Do you know why I believe my solo status persists?
It’s all down to having my own place. Nowadays, its tricky for a woman to be both independent and feminine. If Im honest, most of my suitors fall neatly into two categories:
1. Youve got your own flat? Brilliant! Let me move in and not worry about a thing.
These gents see my flat as a ticket to a drama-free life. The housing issue is sorted, so why bother chasing a career or earning more pounds? Hes perfectly happy to settle down, maybe start a family, but heaven forbid anything in his existence requires an ounce of effort. Frankly, chatting to these blokes feels rather like Im auditioning to be their mum rather than their wife. They expect pampering, dinner on the table, and the odd nudge to stop them wandering off. Give me a cat and some free time for my hobbiesmuch less hassle.
2. You own your flat, you say?
Oh no, much better to go out for drinks, take spontaneous trips, move in with the parents, or even flog my flat and buy one together. This option really tickles me. Ive got a flat and years left to pay off the mortgage. If only my potential husband had the slight inclination to help with said mortgage, but nope. It turns out, since I have a decent salary, Im expected to pay for everything, and hell chip in when he can. If I ever take maternity leave or a career break? Apparently, Im only entitled to have a child once Ive finally paid off the mortgagenever mind that Ill be in my forties by then. The main thing is not to bother my husband with my silly problems, so he can live a blissfully peaceful life.
Honestly, Im starting to think adopting a three-year-old from the local childrens home would be easier than finding a man who isnt terrified of responsibility. Even if I do get married, it looks like Ill still be fully responsible for myself and solving every problem solo. So, whats the point of having a man around?
For now, Im mistress of my own castleand my own life. I have plenty of space for myself and my hobbies. Sometimes I do wish for a family or someone special by my side, but reality has an uncanny knack of squashing those dreams.
Let me tell you about one particular episode that happened recently.
I fancied a chap I knewhe seemed to fancy me too. We were watching a film in my flat, and suddenly I fancied some pizza. I thought, maybe hed order it. Sure enough, he placed the order, met the delivery guy downstairs, and paid for it with the cash Id given him. And that snuffed out any spark of fondness.
Maybe its my own fault. My friends say I shouldnt have offered to pay for the pizza. I was curious: would he take the money or refuse? To me, it was only a small amount. But, as you see, its never really about the money…
