Use of the Word "Single"

[Wallace Stevens]

I have a female friend who's dating a fellow student. She recently accepted a job offer in Orange County, but she did so reluctantly because she wanted to work in LA.

When I asked her why at a recent bar outing, she talked about the "single" scene in Orange County. She kept reiterating how "single" she would be, and how it's tough to be "single" in suburbia. (emphasis on quotations)

For reasons of social grace, I didn't ask her about her long-term plans with her current boyfriend, but this sends a strong signal, right? Assuming I did not mishear, how would you construe it?

[girl68]

Sounds like she's got a plan... to become single.

[Wallace Stevens]

Sounds like she's got a plan... to become single.

A mutual female friend wrote to me that: "It's single as in not married, no family."

I'm dubious.

[girl68]

Maybe literally yeah, "single" means that ^.

But the "single scene" means single and ready to mingle.

[Wallace Stevens]

Maybe literally yeah, "single" means that ^.

But the "single scene" means single and ready to mingle.

She didn't say "single scene." She just reiterated the word "single."

I am actually receptive to the literal interpretation; I just don't think it's correct, or else she is deliberately misleading.

[Wallace Stevens]

Friend also wrote: "The point is that people don't go out together. They go home with their families."

[girl68]

she talked about the "single" scene in Orange County.

So all the while she was talking about the "single" scene, she only ever said "single"

weird.

Ok, so why do you care- you're not her bf?

[girl68]

Friend also wrote: "The point is that people don't go out together. They go home with their families."

Your friend is weird. Because that statement is not true.

[Wallace Stevens]

So all the while she was talking about the "single" scene, she only ever said "single"

weird.

Ok, so why do you care- you're not her bf?

I care because I'm curious. But you're smart to inquire.

I remember the word "single" because it had such delicious emphasis -- maybe in tonal inflection or my mind. The sentences that contained it are now a wash of dilated pupils, the background baseball game, and my post-beer buzz.

[girl68]

Alrighty then. I'm "single" technically. But I wouldn't go around claiming that I'm single, becasue in theroy I am not.

If I were your friends' bf, I'd be nervous she claims she'll be "single".

[Wallace Stevens]

Anyone else?

[Gigabitch]

She has no intention of doing the long distance thing with him.

[bluesummer]

I don't know, when I say I'm single it means I'm not with anyone exclusively.

I could be seeing someone, but open to seeing more than just him.

[MVPlaya]

I have a female friend who's dating a fellow student. She recently accepted a job offer in Orange County, but she did so reluctantly because she wanted to work in LA.

When I asked her why at a recent bar outing, she talked about the "single" scene in Orange County. She kept reiterating how "single" she would be, and how it's tough to be "single" in suburbia. (emphasis on quotations)

For reasons of social grace, I didn't ask her about her long-term plans with her current boyfriend, but this sends a strong signal, right? Assuming I did not mishear, how would you construe it?

Some girls are serial daters. They date a guy every week. They aren't attached, they don't have long-term plans, they just want to be taken out and have a fun time. Even though they are dating someone presently, they still see themselves as single.

Your friend is single, but dating.

[Wallace Stevens]

I don't think she's the serial dater type, although she lives an unattached and quasi-bohemian lifestyle.