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As we single ladies head into any social gathering, we know someone will inevitably ask that dreaded question, one most despised by all singletons:
Why are you still single?
While it's amazing people still think it's appropriate to even ask this question, there nonetheless will likely always be that one distant relative, coworker, friend, or acquaintance from high school who comes up to you at the holiday party and utters these cringeworthy words. They may follow it up with, Because you're just so great. That doesn't make the situation any less awkward or annoying, and you may find yourself thinking up brilliant responses for when someone asks why youre still single. Thats where I come in to help.
Whether youre single or youre in a relationship, both statuses have their perks and you can live your best life. When youre single, you're free to book spontaneous trips with friends, dedicate your free time completely to your passions and your career, and take a dip in the dating pool (if thats even what you want at this point in your life).
So the next time someone asks you why youre still single, feel free to use any one of the following expert-approved responses:
1. I'm focusing on my career.
In an exclusive interview with Elite Daily, marriage and family therapist Nicole Richardson says she encourages people to talk about the things in their lives that they are excited about. If thats your career, then kudos to you. And if the time comes when you do meet someone special, [You] will choose partnership when [you] find someone who values [you] and is willing to put in the same amount of work [you] are.
2. I'm just not settling.
This is a solid response because youre explaining your needs and expectations from a future partner. For example, Richardson suggests saying something along the lines of, I'm just not into settling. The person I'm looking forward [to meeting] is working on having the kind of life they are just as excited about as I am about mine.
Richardson tells Elite Daily if your goal is to find someone who brings more happiness and positive vibes into your world, its tough work. It calls for you to be more selective and not settle for anything less, but the result can be well worth it.
3. Weddings are expensive, and I have expensive taste in vacations, clothes, and footwear.
You're footing your own bankroll, duh. Weddings can be expensive AF and who can blame you youre simply just not ready to dish out all of that cash quite yet.
4. Yeah, it's terrible dating any person I want.
(Thanks for asking.) If you feel like its an appropriate time to throw a little bit of shade, this response is sassy and sarcastic. Mic drop.
5. I don't need a partner to prove that Im worth something.
You're killing it in every aspect of your life. Why would you need a partner to show that? Richardson tells Elite Daily, I love this [response] and I hope that anyone who says it means it. Truly believing in your own value sets you up for a much healthier relationship. When you rely on your romantic relationship for your self-esteem, it drains it and sets it on a really unhealthy path.
6. Why don't we talk about my job promotion instead?
Why is it that without a partner, nothing else seems to matter? Your single status shouldnt take away from all of the other amazing things that are going on in your life. The truth is, there are often people in our lives that don't understand us and the life we are building, says Richardson. Especially if it is a family member, it can feel as though you can't simply cut them out. When this happens, it's important to take a deep breath and tell them about all the positive things you have made happen and that you're proud of.
7. I'd rather have a significant income than a significant other.
You can take care of your #girlboss self, thank you very much. A significant income? Yes, please.
8. I'm fabulous, and I haven't found anyone equally as fabulous, that's why.
You're really just telling it like it is. Again, youre not in a rush to be in a relationship and life is far too short to settle for anything youre not completely happy with.
9. I'm in a passionate love affair with myself.
It's a party of one, and that's the only party you're after. Thomas Edwards, Jr., Transformational Coach at thomasedwardsjr.com, tells Elite Daily he especially likes responses that focus on self-love. If youre being real and choosing not commit to anyone but yourself, thats great, he says.
10. As Cher Horowitz says, You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet.
You can always count on Cher Horowitz from Clueless to tell it like it is. You might be picky because you dont want to be in a relationship simply for the sake of being in a relationship. Its like finding the right pair of shoes; it may require a lot of searching, but once you do find them, you know it was all worth it.
11. I'm not single. I'm married to food.
No shame here. The hilariously witty "throw away the conversation" answers as Edwards refers to them as can go a long way. "The question [someone asks about why youre still single] is so ridiculous, an even more ridiculous answer is needed sometimes," he says."
12. I don't know. Why are you still married?
If they want to ask the hard questions, you go ahead and ask them right back.
13. My dad didn't have enough sheep and wheat for my dowry.
No man shall ever marry ye! This response may even get a laugh out of the person who asks you why youre single.
14. So far, every person I've met has been unimpressive.
This response is best delivered completely deadpan. If theyre not impressing you, why waste your time? You could be cuddling with your pup for a movie night instead.
15. Well, it's likely because I haven't found the right person yet.
For this particular response, Richardson says it can come across as a bit defensive. Its all about presentation, and Richardson stresses to never settle. Life is too short and the people we surround ourselves with are really important to our quality of life. Staying selective and not settling should be a source of pride not shame.
16. When Im ready to be in a relationship, I have no doubt I will find my person when Im meant to.
This response suggested by Edwards is straight and to the point. The main idea is to center your answer around why your life is great right now just the way it is and to not let anyone elses pressure be your own, he says.
17. I still haven't met a person who is as good as prime rib tastes.
And prime rib is expensive, too.
18. Single is the new black.
I mean, you're just being trendy.
19. Prince William is already taken.
This response has worked since you were in high school. Its tried and true.
20. I can't commit to a dinner reservation, let alone another human being.
It's all about priorities. Obviously.
21. Im enjoying this time in my life when I get to focus on myself and becoming whole as a person.
This is another awesome response suggested by Edwards. Its all about self-love, people. Loving yourself before you welcome someone else into your world is key.
22. My arranged marriage is just around the corner.
Again, a deadpan delivery here will go far.
23. I'm very busy focusing on myself and do not have a single minute to devote to someone else.
This one is straightforward and to the point. Being in a relationship might not even be on your radar right now, and thats perfectly OK.
24. Why settle for one partner when I can date?
At this point in your life, you may be swimming in the dating pool and having a great time doing it. Youre learning whats really important to you, your likes, and your dislikes when it comes to a future partner.
25. My shows are far more interesting than any date I've been on.
(I mean, have you seen Andrew DeLuca?) Dating can be a struggle, and youll likely deal with a lot of frogs before you find the one youre meant to be with. But, hey, at least Netflix and HBO are always loyal companions.
26. Honestly, being single is really fun.
Richardson says if youre perfectly content with this single stage in your life, embrace it to the fullest. No one can make you happy but you. It is wonderful to be bold enough to create the life you want, not everyone is brave enough to do that, she tells Elite Daily.
27. I'm more into the title of CEO than partner.
BURN. This is another career-focused response that deserves a mic drop. Youre focusing on reaching your goals, and thats entirely your choice. Edwards does make it a point to say, though, I have had plenty of clients who came to me saying they focused on their career and as a result, are having a hard time getting into a relationship. You dont have to sacrifice one for the other. It is possible to have everything you want in your life without waiting for one domino to fall.
28. I'm dating myself why would I need a partner?
You are the best dinner date and Netflix and shopping companion, after all.
29. I'm pretty certain I'm The One. So, there's that.
Now this response deserves a mic drop.
You dont really owe anyone an explanation about your relationship status. But if you feel like using a clever rebuttal the next time someone makes an encounter awkward by asking you why you're single because youre just so great, refer to this list.
This post was originally published on Jan. 20, 2016. It was updated on Sept. 9, 2019. Additional reporting by Alexa Mellardo.