One Big Hassle of Being Single (June 23)

I didn't know there was one bit of a hassle of being single until I experienced this. Two Sundays ago was my regular monthly get-together with my friends. After another riotous fun and carb-rich food together and before goodbyes were made, W brought up the "Avenue Q" group-date for the next weekend (last weekend). I had no time to ask what was that about. They didn't wait no for an answer, so I assumed all the negotiations, e.g. what time to meet, where, etc. were already set-up.




Our office only has Wikipedia access and so I wikipedia'ed "Avenue Q." I found out that the musical has had a huge following when it first opened in 2003 as an off-broadway. It is largely inspired by the iconic television show, Sesame Street. What really drew me to watch was it had a unique way of live characters and puppet characters singing and talking. Second, the setting is in the magnificent New York. As a brief traveller of this lovely place, this would have been an emotional experience. Also, I have never seen any Atlantis production. It behooved me to widen my theater-viewing experience, not just the usual Dulaang U.P. and CCP viewing fare I'm comfortable with, and unless they are complimentary; I would not care. I was already smelling a great weekend (that wasn't).




So here's the thing, I contacted a friend in my group, H, last Thursday. He had two tickets and he couldn't commit if he's going to come. I had expected the ticket had been arranged for me. I texted him again on the day itself, but H had already sold his two tickets to two of our friends in the group -- they are partners. H had an extended work on Saturday. It was practical for him to sell it to two, instead of one, or else, how could he recoup his expenses right? I didn't need any explanation; I got it outright. I had much to sulk now after missing "Avenue Q", but H had to push it further by texting back: "Maghanap ka na kase ng partner mo." And then I realized, this was the HASSLE PART of being single.




I had to postpone a teambuilding activity at work in Zambales of our batch (fyi, I was transferred to another account, so no reason to join them, but I was invited) just to watch this musical. So what was the single me wont to do on a Saturday these past months -- cocoon myself in the room. But I had notched it by decluttering my room. Now, I can breathe cleaner and move a bit around now (go figure!).




Among the 12 or 13 of us who come to the monthly get-together: 5 are still single, 2 of whom are in foreign lands while 3 of us (me, H, and G) stay here. It's always a great feeling to be in love and share all the intense feelings that come with being in a relationship and what-not. My horoscope last Sunday reminded me the things I need to do (and have been doing): "All it takes is one sound decision to usher more love and money into your life. It's not a hard one to make, but it does require humble learning and the tenacity to see this cycle through to the final stages." If I ever find my life partner, I'll make sure I will never deny myself a ticket to any activity, a film, or a play. Make that 2 tickets.

(Reprinted from Multiply, June 23)