Unmarried are invisible, forgotten

[liberalhistorian]

43. LOL, good for you!

As an only child, I never minded doing things alone and I still don't (just because you're married doesn't mean you never do anything alone again); I've never minded eating out or going to movies or anything else like that alone. What I did and DO mind is exactly the kind of attitude you're describing. I think it's getting a lot better than it used to be, but there's still a ways to go, especially in certain areas of the country.

I remember once, when I was still single, being at a restaurant where, after I was seated, I waited for a menu and service. And waited. And waited. And waited and waited and waited and waited. I watched as others were seated and served, both couples and parties with more than two people. I was completely and dismissively ignored, couldn't even get the attention of anyone. As is my habit when dining alone, I'd brought a newspaper and book with me and proceeded to read the newspaper to pass the time. After a half hour, I'd finally had enough and just stood up and started to walk out. The hostess stopped me, asking what was going on. I told her that I wasn't in the habit of waiting a half hour just to get a menu and if they were that overwhelmed I'd give them a break and just take my money elsewhere, that my money was just as good as those who had more than one person in their party. She didn't say anything to that and actually let a customer just walk out the door. Fortunately, that kind of extreme experience was rare, but the attitude wasn't and still isn't.