OMG! Is everyone married or is just where I live?!

[Moonrose]

I just got home from a fourth of July event in my area...every time I go to a community event, I am ever so hopeful that there will be at least one other single parent! I'm not only looking to casually date but also just to find a friend that is a single parent as myself. Currently, all of my friends are happily married with children. Everywhere I go, the grocery store, library, community events, concerts etc.- everyone in married or in a relationship with children- Aurgh! Tonight has been one of those nights, I couldn't feel more seperate from everyone else in my situation...so I came straight home and was determined to find more single parents- I swear it has to just be the area I live in, I know there are others out there :o).

[Angel Christine]

I felt the same way last night as I was with three happy families and the only single parent. It was hard to deal with, but maybe some day I'll be in that position.

[Jen]

There are others out there, but I think that I am just a little bit more self-conscious of being a single parent when I'm out at events like this :) I have also realized that I primarily go to places that are kid-friendly - therefore "family friendly" and hard to meet other single parents. I have decided to follow the idea that if I stop looking, other single parents (for friends or dating) will find me!

[Todd J. Miska]

You are not alone. I am asking myself the same question. I stayed in on the 4th just because of that. No matter where I go I am always surrounded by happy couples. I see them laugh and smile. I see families playing together. I see wedding rings on all fingers. I too feel so withdrwan from what once was. I dont know about you but its breaking me. I was sharing this with my therapist and he told me to go sit at a local McDonalds and observe how many single Dads are out with kids. I did and I saw none all I saw was couples. There was one time at a mall that I even told a few couples how Blessed they are to have each other. Oh moonrose I share your pain. Its like thats all I see. I miss having that togetherness in my life. I have been left quite empty. Feeling for you.........................TJM

[Jen]

Remember that when you were married, you put on your happy face in public, too. I know I did!!! So you might only see happy couples but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors in their homes - some of those happy couples are probably very unhappy and could end up in our situations too. Also, I encourage you to not stay in and isolate - that will only increase your depression and I'm sure your therapist told you this as well. There's a reason that "fake it 'til you make it" works :)

[Angel Christine]

This is very true. Everyone was shocked when I got divorced. I never told anyone how miserable we were and we didn't want to burden anyone with our problems.

[uomeasmile (Kim)]

Oh so true... I always kept up the facade. There are not many single parents where I live either. Sometimes you just have to get out and keep looking! This site is great to start networking. Hugs to you!