The "only single girl" is an important role to play in a group of friends. It falls to the "only single girl" to even up the numbers when there is a large gathering of couples planned and at the last minute, the host(s) realize(s) that there will be an unaccompanied gentleman attending. This often is an old college roommate, childhood friend, or a relative who has popped in for a visit. This person may or may not be single, but he is attending the event alone. That makes him the "random guy".
Having been the "only single girl" on more occasions than I can count and most recently this past weekend, I've learned that there are some interesting quirks in the system. For example, although the point of calling in the "only single girl" is to even numbers so that the "random guy" doesn't feel awkward, do not mistakenly believe that this is a set up. Couldn't be further from the truth! The couples always need to have an "only single girl" in reserve and if they fix you up with a "random guy" then they'd have to find a new "only single girl". Those are difficult to come by these days. It often turns out that the "random guy" is actually married, in a serious relationship, or a complete committment-phobe pining after an ex-girlfriend. The couples don't really want the "only single girl" to develop a relationship with the "random guy", but want to be certain that the "random guy" isn't left out should the activities lead to something that requires pairing up like card games or square dancing.
It should also be noted that this does not work in reverse. If you happen to attend a group outing solo, the couples will not scramble to find a partner for you. You do not become the "random gal" with the "only single boy". You become the "only single girl" plus four couples. Oh no, if you want to fit in then you need to remember that the party is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boy). It doesn't matter how romantic the situation is or how incredibly awkward the "only single girl" may feel. She is on her own.
Pocket Susan Recommendations for the "Only Single Girl":
- Become adept at long bathroom breaks and emergency phone calls. Anything you can do to slip away for a while takes the focus off the odd numbers without being rude.
- Find some sort of role like the hostess' assistant and help pour drinks, clear tables, or other menial slave labor until it's polite to skeedaddle.
- Dig deep and find another "Only Single Girl" with whom you can attend events. It adds the extra element of fun as the couples try to determine what kind of relationship you have.
Having been the "only single girl" on more occasions than I can count and most recently this past weekend, I've learned that there are some interesting quirks in the system. For example, although the point of calling in the "only single girl" is to even numbers so that the "random guy" doesn't feel awkward, do not mistakenly believe that this is a set up. Couldn't be further from the truth! The couples always need to have an "only single girl" in reserve and if they fix you up with a "random guy" then they'd have to find a new "only single girl". Those are difficult to come by these days. It often turns out that the "random guy" is actually married, in a serious relationship, or a complete committment-phobe pining after an ex-girlfriend. The couples don't really want the "only single girl" to develop a relationship with the "random guy", but want to be certain that the "random guy" isn't left out should the activities lead to something that requires pairing up like card games or square dancing.
It should also be noted that this does not work in reverse. If you happen to attend a group outing solo, the couples will not scramble to find a partner for you. You do not become the "random gal" with the "only single boy". You become the "only single girl" plus four couples. Oh no, if you want to fit in then you need to remember that the party is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boy). It doesn't matter how romantic the situation is or how incredibly awkward the "only single girl" may feel. She is on her own.
Pocket Susan Recommendations for the "Only Single Girl":
- Become adept at long bathroom breaks and emergency phone calls. Anything you can do to slip away for a while takes the focus off the odd numbers without being rude.
- Find some sort of role like the hostess' assistant and help pour drinks, clear tables, or other menial slave labor until it's polite to skeedaddle.
- Dig deep and find another "Only Single Girl" with whom you can attend events. It adds the extra element of fun as the couples try to determine what kind of relationship you have.
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