Okay, that title is somewhat tongue in cheek, but it underscores a real concern for those of us who are single. But, before we move forward, you have to get a sense as to why I make the plea.

A couple of weekends ago, I attended the local community theater production Nunsense. As I looked around the theater, I couldn’t help but notice as I sat alone, most other patrons were in pairs. There were young couples, families, middle aged folks on a date afternoon and elderly couples still holding hands and chatting before the show, during intermission and after the show. I miss that.

After Karen died, I couldn’t help but feel alone socially. I couldn’t go to a “couples” event without feeling like a wall flower or third wheel. Sonni understood that and helped guide me through those socially awkward moments. We often went to events as a couple. And I cherished those moments of companionship and  communication.

There is a difference between local community theater and other events, however. For example, I missed going to see Jersey Boys on the Broadway stage. When I had the time, I didn’t have the money and when I had the cash for a weekend on the town, I didn’t have the time. Lo and behold, there’s a performance Oct. 8 at Cross Insurance Center in downtown Bangor! I am really considering it … but I hate the thought of not sharing the experience. In fact, it’s the opening production in a five-set Broadway’s Best in Bangor series that also includes Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer — The Musical (Dec. 13), Dirty Dancing (Jan. 2), Cinderella (Feb. 1) and The Wizard of Oz (April 10). I might be open to any or all of them, but I’m not sure I’m willing to go solo.

And there is The Phantom of the Opera. Karen and I almost made it to a Rochester performance way back in 1996. We had the tickets, {in fact I recently found them in my suit jacket} orchestra left center, but skipped it because my newest grandson at the time had an ear infection and high fever and Karen was more comfortable staying home with our 16 year old new mother daughter. We always promised ourselves we would spend a weekend in New York City for the Broadway production. Well, that never panned out, although it still is running. Again, I’m not sure I’m willing to go solo.

I probably could ask someone, but it’s been a long time since I was in dating mode and I’m still too much of an introvert to ask any of my lady friends to join me.

Oh. The pitfalls of being single.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Set your goals high and don’t stop until you reach them.