Exclusively Unattached: Why are you still single?

If you are over the age of 25 and are unattached, you've inevitably heard this question, "Why are you still single?" Oft times, it's coming from your mom or your best friends. Considering the last 5 years of my life, I've been a serial monogamist, I hadn't really thought of an answer to this question because I was certain my relationships were leading towards marriage. Alas, they did not lead to marriage and here I am again in the abyss known as singledom, pondering my answers to the incessant nagging of couples and parents.

My last relationship lasted four years and, against my better judgment, we even lived together. It's only been four months since we parted, but in that brief amount of time, I've gained a lot of insight as to why I am still single. Feel free to use these answers when you see fit. You may choose based on your level of snarkiness at the time asked.

Number 1: I am still single because I like the calmness of being in my house alone without the pinging of video games, requests for dinner or anyone else's snoring.

Number 2: I am still single because I am having too much fun as a sexy, independent, career woman to focus on a relationship right now.

Number 3: I am still single because unlike much of the world, I do not look at marriage as a something to accomplish but rather a covenant between God, myself and my partner. There is no need to rush or be impatient in making the decision about the right partner.

Number 4: I am still single because I've been in a wedding this year and I am cool on the planning nonsense. Okay, this one is actually a joke, but too often people put more thought into the wedding than they do their marriage. Ponder that...

Number 5: (By far the most important) I am still single because I love me enough not to settle for less than I deserve. I deserve all the happiness in the world, and I'll be damned if I will settle for anything less.

So, until Mr. Right comes along, I will continue to bypass Mr. Right Now and instead find new hobbies, read good books, enjoy excellent food, dance the night away and do all the fabulous things that singlenistas do!