ArcaMax

Just how bad is it to be without a mate? If you really want to know what's going on in your inner life, jump into the following and show yourself what you really think about this unmarried life by agreeing or disagreeing with these statements. (This is an equal-opportunity quiz; both genders are invited.)

--Being single means being alone and lonely.

--Single women have a tougher time than single men.

--Men don't want the same things from a relationship as women do.

--Every woman should marry and have children.

--A woman is incomplete without a man.

--A man is incomplete without a woman.

--Being single makes you a second-class member of society.

--An interesting, full life leads to lifelong singleness.

--Men don't like independent women, because they are selfish and hard to be with.

--An independent woman loses some of her femininity.

--My family members are embarrassed that I'm not married. They make me feel like a half-member of the family because I'm not married.

--Being financially independent keeps men away.

--Going places alone makes me look (and feel) like a loser.

--Everyone desirable is already married.

--Women should wait for men to make the first move in everything.

--Friendship between the sexes is boring -- and the opposite of real love.

--If love has any potential, it must begin with fireworks.

--Women and men cannot be friends; they're simply too different.

--Men only want young snow bunnies on their arm.

--Women should work only until they get married. They shouldn't take their jobs seriously because the point of being single is finding someone to marry.

========

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com. We've uncovered another treasure trove of "Single File" paperbacks - in perfect condition, signed by Susan, ready to enjoy. Send $15 and your address: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.