Listen dude, I think the real issue here is that you’re feeling sensitive to being single. And that’s completely okay. I hate how men are taught to shrug off their emotions and follow the pack, and I don’t want you to do that. The reason “how to be happy single” posts are aimed at women is because men are taught to fuck around until they’re ready to settle down while women are taught to love until they find the right guy. It makes it horrible for both sides, especially when — surprise — people exist outside their gender expectations and want different things.

In my experience, nobody questions men for being single because they’re likely pursuing careers which is expected and acceptable. I’ve been questioned for being single since I was 16. Never mind I was grieving a loss in my family and had no capacity to date anyone. Never mind I have a career that requires a lot of my time and attention. As a woman, I should have a boyfriend. The fact that I continue not to worries some of my family, but I know better than to care about it. I’ll find someone someday, but it’s not my priority at the moment.

So forget what other people think or feel. What’s important is how you feel. And if you’re feeling low about it, don’t be hard on yourself. Ride it out and understand where these thoughts are coming from, then do what you can to change it.