Defined

Most of the time I am not entirely self-conscious of or really even thinking about my status as a single person. Certainly it crosses my mind during day-to-day stuff but it's fleeting and generally when I'm not otherwise consumed with the actual business of living life.

Which makes me wonder why other people at times seem to define me by my singleness. Like, it's one of the first things people bring up in conversation - or just brought up at all (note: if you're someone who considers me a close friend I am NOT talking about you. This is an acquaintance-only phenomenon I am concerned with). I don't see why it would be the easiest or most interesting thing to discuss with me.

Sample Conversation: "Are you dating anyone?" "No" "You're so cute/smart/fun" "That's very sweet of you, thanks."

Basically it's all kinds of awkward and how in the hell am I supposed to respond? "No, I am not but as soon as a person who blows me away both from a physical and intellectual attraction standpoint asks me out, I'll be sure to fill you in."

Obviously not the right response.

But how about instead of putting me into a little box that is my relationship status, people ask about school, or food, or the city or just if I've read any good books lately or hell, how I feel about the Dalai Lama. I mean, wouldn't anything be a better, more appropriate and less awkward conversation?

I guess at this point I just accept it, use my manners, and remember (like I would ever do this myself) never to discuss the relationship status of someone other than a close friend, especially in public.