If you're single - are you left out of some social events?

[Earlybird]

Let's face it, most of us mums inhabit a world where the majority of our contemporaries are part of a couple. Are you invited as a single to social occasions where dh/dp's will be present? I find that sometimes I'm not - don't know if it's because it's "couples only" socialising, or if I'm simply not on the invite list for everything. I waver between understanding completely, and feeling sensitive about being the odd man out. And must confess, even when I am included, there are sometimes I must really brace myself before I dive into a party where I am usually the only unattached person present.

What's your experience? And for those who have dh/dp's, do you hesitate to invite unattached friends to weekend/evening gatherings?

It happens to me too and I feel like you. On the one hand, I understand but then again it makes me quite sad sometimes. I lost dh 4 years ago and though I see 'our' friends now and again (all married) it's now usually only a couple of the wives will come round for a take away or something. We used to all go out together quite a lot. It's times like that I miss dh & being part of a couple. I used to cook for friends quite a bit, and though I still do and still invite couples round, it's not the same. boo hoo hoo! I need dial a date for those times!

The group of Mums I am friendly with at school often do couply things together and not invite me( I am the only single Mum).
Its the parties with kids I find a problem.Just start talking to people and have to go home doesn't help my dd1 likes her bed at 8.30 as a late night!

Yeah I was with some friends today, a couple....lol and I left early cos of dd's bedtime. I don't always, she's usually pretty good at socialising but it's been so warm today and she's been in her pushchair alot today I thought it only fair. >.

I really would like to find a new dp, but until it happens (note the optimism), I'm honestly fine about it. Don't live my life as if I'm sad and lonely, and certainly don't mope. During the weekdays, I'm absolutely OK because most women I encounter are like me - individuals who are not at those moments functioning as part of a couple.

But, then come the moments where I must consciously acknowledge the fact that I'm single, and most friends/acquaintances aren't. Those times are hardest.....like discovering today that a good friend hosted a BBQ Friday night attended by husbands/wives, and I wasn't invited. Or, another friend has asked me to save a date for a drinks party and knowing that if I go, I must travel on my own, ring the doorbell standing on the front steps alone....and dive into the room solo, walking confidently up to someone and asking "Hello, I'm Earlybird, so how do you know the hostess"? My stomach sinks at the thought....

DelGirl- I think you're quite brave to be hostess for an adult gathering on your own.

I hate the weekend trips to the park/beach things like that where it is full of families with 2 parents to look after the kids so you can't finish a conversation because you have to keep chasing your kids

Dinner parties- before I split up with ex-H we were involved in the regular Fri/Sat night dinner party scene. It was 3 years before I was invited to one on my own!!!
Now, I host my own & get invited on my own but it has taken ages.
Other than that - no. I've got to the stage now where I don't mind doing stuff on my own with the children. Sometimes when I watch the mums & dads bickering about should they sit in the sun or the shade or whose turn it is to check on the children, I'm glad to be on my own.

Im a single Mom and I am fed up with my seven year olds behaivour. Driving me nuts. It takes all my strength to smile sometimes! megansagenda

I am married, a very close friemd of mine is single, I wouldn't dream of not inviting her to anything just cos it was going to be full of couples...buts every time I arrange for her to come to stay/come camping etc she alsways asks who else is going to be there and will it be all couples? Since our friends are currently "in relationships" (still most at the bf/gf stage than 'partners')... the answer is usually 'yes', but then I remind her that since dh an di have been together for aaages, we are not the type of couple to spemnd all night talking to each other about how great we think the other one is and are totally capable of acting as individuals!
I would rather invite her and let her decline if she felt uncomfortable, than not give her the option!

yeah it happensto me too.

when i first went to parent and baby class they were all sat around talking and the topic was their dh/dp's.

they asked me a question about mine and when i said i didnt have 1 they looked at me like i was sprouting another head.

also my friends ( whole of 2!! ) go on double dates a lot of the time so i never get invited,

it doesnt help though that dont have much family either so cant really get babysitter aswell. i think that can be a major factor, i dont get invited coz they know i struggle for babysitter.

best things to find meet up groups for single parents then every 1 in same boat and u end up going out places with people u meet and do lots of thigs together involving ur little ones.

As a single mum I try to got to the parks really early with my 2 and a half year old particularly at the weekends. I also find that I dont get invited out much, infact if ever!!

I have started to make some really good friends from DD nursery and that has been great.

I really felt low and pretty depressed about being a single mum when I first heard my ex had just had a daughter with his new wife - that really made me feel aware that I was on my own and that DD would not get the love from her so-called dad as her new half sister would (her dad has chosen to have nothing to with my DD) Oh well.......