I’ve never been in a romantic relationship.I’ve never even had a sexual encounter – and I’m perfectly content with that. Women in particular are expected to conform to society’s norms – to be in a relationship, lose their virginity, to want to get married and have children.
All in order to avoid being alone – being left on the shelf or becoming a (whisper it) ‘spinster’. I have crushes, however fleeting they may be, such as on the cute stranger at the coffee shop… but I’m yet to find that real connection with someone As a teen I loved a good rom-com (I still do).
Bridget Jones’ Diary, 13 Going on 30 and A Cinderella Story, were some of my favourites. But back then, I didn’t realise that romantic love and relationships didn’t have to be the go-to for everyone.
Now I’m in my twenties, I get that it isn’t that simple. In this day and age, where social media and dating apps are the standard, relationships seem like really hard work.On the odd occasion I’ve dipped my toes into online dating, the responses I’ve received have put me off.