If your single, what do you say/do when others just talk about relationship stuff?

[NameAU1]

Like, I literally don’t know what to say.
If they aren’t talking about their own relationship/kids, then it’s about other people’s (who aren’t even there!) relationships/kids.
And these things seem to just go on and on. Doesn’t help that there so many weddings coming up…
I can’t relate to any of ot, so it get very boring, very fast.
I know I have to tread carefully as a woman, so I don’t get call bitter and jealous and whatnot.

How do you other singles manage these situations?

Can you not change the subject to something you have in common - like tv shows or what you're reading or something?

Where do you know these people from?

Op, very relatable. I'm the only single guy in my extended family and friendship circle and largely have the same problem. To a point you engage in the conversation, not wanting to be rude and obviously some topics are interesting, but there's definitely a point when you have to tune It out.

Can you not change the subjec

It doesn’t work.
And I’m out numbered.

Where do you know these people from?

Everyone seems to do this.
Friends, relatives, often (on breaks) co-workers, even my new neighbour only wants to talk about her men problems 😥

I hear you. Nearly all the women I know (friends and family) seem to talk about men and peoples relationships all the time and because I’ve been on my own a long time I just feel awkward. No advice I’m afraid but watching with interest.

Personally I join in the conversation, I still find it interesting to hear about and chat about, even if its not my direct experience. Though if its the only thing they ever talk about, I'd probably look for other friends.

I did feel a bit 🙄when a friend spent ages talking about how hard it felt being alone in the house when her partner's gone away for 5 days.

This is why l take my break earlier than my colleagues. Husbands and holidays is all they ever go on about, l don't have either.

I did feel a bit 🙄when a friend spent ages talking about how hard it felt being alone in the house when her partner's gone away for 5 days.

Oh, this made me laugh!
My best friend, lovely human, but she also struggled when she had to spend a weekend alone. And I had hear all about it.

I'm the only single woman in my circle of friends. The conversation does not revolve around relationships, but as I've had them in the past I can usually contribute something, and I can always listen and offer an outsiders viewpoint. When they talk about having to manage things on their own I internally roll my eyes. I'm a widow and raised two kids by myself. They look at me and say patronising things like 'but you're really strong' and 'I couldn't manage without X'. Well of course you could if you had to.

I don’t mind talking about relationships and I’m single. Surely that’s not all they talk about 🤷‍♀️

I do find this baffling. In my experience, women with children are desperate to talk about anything else when we're away from them!

How old are you? Maybe it's a stage.

If these are 1st weddings and you are 25-32 or so, I would say it's a stage.
The post 1st divorce dating stores are way more interesting. You'll want to hear those stories.

I was the single friend for a long, long time, I met DH when I was 36. I just tried to approach conversations mainly from a supporting stance but how I would react in the situation that they described. People mainly want someone to sound off to and I was happy to do that, they're sharing their lives, worries with you it's a sign of trust.

The closer the friends the more you can probe, offer advice but if an acquaintance, all they need is an engaged listening ear if you have the time and patience!

opposite for me.
semms that (and men) are all they want to talk about…

I find myself saying on a REGULAR basis:

"He said WHAT to you?".
"He did WHAT?".
"What do you mean you're 'not allowed' to go there?"

I think my standard response, at least once a week (and several times a day reading MN threads) tends to be "Fuck me I'm glad I'm single!".

Yes, It is hard not to think that too. Relationships, who needs them!

I say "Thanks God I'm single."