The different shades of single

By Brenda Akumu

We live in a time when being a single woman is normal and even somewhat glamarous. Single girls of all ages, whether by choice or by (mis)fortune, hold a decent position in society. Sometimes they score higher on happiness and general well-being than their married counterparts.

Women today want more than the apron strings and diapers.

They have been taught that they can do just what the boys do, maybe even better. Our girls know that they don’t have to be queens of the kitchen only. They know they can rule the boardrooms and courtrooms with unequalled poise and passion.

That said, there are two kinds of single girls. There are of course girls who are single and urgently searching and girls who are single and satisfied.

The former don’t hide their intentions. They have a list of qualities they would like in Mr Right — handsome, financially stable, good family background, high moral standards blah...blah...blah.

Biological clock

There are single girls whose biological clock wakes them up every morning. They are usually quite accomplished and reasonably comfortable in life. They just need a man to complete the picture. They are not looking for the perfect man — they want the right man.

One who has more ups than downs and can still pass for a husband. They have class and can hold an intelligent conversation.

Then there are the hunters. These cougar types are usually advanced in age, incredibly wealthy and previously married with grown-up kids. They love the thrill of the chase and live as if 50 is the new 20.

If there was an association for cougars, 78-year-old Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor would be the chairlady. Recent rumours point towards a ninth marriage to her 49-year-old manager.

Then there are the single and satisfied women who are rare and can easily pass for happily married sisters. They are veterans in matters of love.

Usually, they are divorcees, single mothers or widows. Having tasted the bitter-sweet thing called love they are in no hurry to jump into the dating game.

They spend time re-discovering themselves and their passions and they find their freedom refreshing. They do not place men on pedestals.