Define being Single. (married, lover, kids, call)

[MattB4]

It seems that for many people today Single covers a lot of ground. Like the New York Congressman that quit yesterday, Single appears to be a code word for wanting sex.

Can you call yourself Single if You are unhappily married, no kids?
Formerly married, 1-3 kids but they are with the other spouse?
Married with a lover on the side but eager to have a few more?
In a long term relationship but not really serious?
Never married but have more kids than you can keep track of the Daddies?

What exactly is the real meaning of being Single to you?

[ChessieMom]

I define it as unmarried.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ChessieMom

I define it as unmarried.

Me, too, and I can't see any ambiguity in it.

[john-ever-learning]

I define single as not being comitted to anyone.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by john-ever-learning

I define single as not being comitted to anyone.

Agreed. If you're married, you're not single. If you're not married, but have been living with someone for 5 years, you're not single, either.

[lifelongMOgal]

Legally unattached, never married, divorced, or widowed.

[sierraAZ]

I also can't quite see why we need to define it. The word has its pretty clear definition in the dictionaries.

Single - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

[MattB4]

Originally Posted by ChessieMom

I define it as unmarried.

How about not married but having kids? Hardly living alone if that is the case.

[ChessieMom]

Originally Posted by MattB4

How about not married but having kids? Hardly living alone if that is the case.

Having kids has absolutely no bearing on anyone's "singleness". I've never heard anyone voice that view.

Married, or not married. That's pretty much how I draw the line.

[MattB4]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

I also can't quite see why we need to define it. The word has its pretty clear definition in the dictionaries.

Single - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Hey I agree with the original dictionary but obviously many do not see it that way. Word definitions change over time with usage so dictionary definitions are reviewed and updated.