What is a single girl to do on a Friday or Saturday night when she is home alone? I’ve had many of these nights and I rarely get into a poor-poor-pitiful-me thing, but this Friday I started to feel a little blue.
The truth is that several Friday or Saturday nights are spent babysitting. Others are filled with homework or hanging out with friends. A few, however, I spend at home without any real plans. This doesn’t bother me too often, but this past Friday as I was hanging out at the pool, the lonely melancholy within me almost brought me to tears (not a difficult task). Fortunately the inappropriate context in which to cry kept the tears in check (what would the family that was at the pool with me think? who goes to a pool and cries, unless they get too much chlorine in their eyes?).
I then resolved that if I was going to grow up an old maid, then I would be the best-read old maid around. Reading is my favorite pastime, so it just makes sense to truly enjoy this extra time one my hands as a gift from God.
I then started thinking about other ways I can use this free time. I can use it to study God’s Word, always a worthy pursuit. I can use it to minister to the needs and cares of those around me, definitely something worthwhile.
Could I sit around and mope about my single status? Of course. Is this wise or helpful? Doubtful. That’s why I’m going to choose not to do it. It doesn’t mean that I have to think being home alone on a Friday night is the best thing in the world, but I can choose to enjoy the free evenings I’ve got.
I used to love Friday evenings home alone. I’d run out to the store after work and complete any shopping/errands that I had to do, and then splurge on takeout and then just chill and watch television or read or paint my toenails.
I never got to feeling lonely until I had to spend Saturday night alone, too… :-) Two days in a row was just too much.
This probably won’t help much, but for what it’s worth, I have several aunts who didn’t meet their husbands until their late thirties/early forties.
It sounds like you have some great ideas for spending an evening alone. Reading is one of my favorites!
Still – better to be honest! I got married when I was 27 which was about 7-10 years after most of my friends, amazingly enough. Now I think that age is average although it wasn’t where I grew up. Many lonely times. But you have the right idea and one I wished I had taken more advantage of — pursuing what God has for YOU right now. And what He would like to give to others through you. Sounds like you are doing that which makes you a very admirable gal. =)
That’s a great attitude — take advantage of the free time instead of seeing it as a bad thing. You’re one smart cookie! :)
Enjoy your free time. Once you have kids and a husband it ends.
I got the card in the mail on Monday!!! WOO HOO! LOL! I also added you to my blogroll so I could read and comment you! Thanks again for choosing me for the ice cream. :)
When I was single, I never worried about being alone on a Friday night. Or any night. For me, I liked the fact that I wasn’t tied down like many of my friends were, with boyfriends or husbands. I was free to do whatever I wanted, go wherever I wanted, and didn’t have to worry about what the other person wanted to do.
And I always enjoyed staying home and reading.
I know I sound like Dr. Phil, but you need to get yourself in a target-rich environment to find dates. That doesn’t, of course, mean bar scenes and places YOU wouldn’t go, but it might be a good idea to pursue an interest you really enjoy where you can meet a wider group of people. Even a book club!
Babysitting might not be the vehicle for that. I am pulling for you – you are obviously intelligent, spiritual, and engaging – where are your potential partners going to find you??