It started off with me asking what she had been up to. She told me she got married, had a kid, was a stay-at-home mom, everything she ever wanted. She said she was "SO HAPPY!" I smiled, did the supportive friend thing, and turned to get back to what I was doing.
She grabbed my arm and asked what I had been up to, who I was married to, how many kids I had. I looked back at her and told her I was single and had a dog. She had the most mortified look on her face. "REALLY?!? Why?"
Well - I just smiled and said things were good and continued on my way. Naturally, as I walked, I thought about what I should have said. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my life (please don't read too much into that). Yes, I'm 30. No, I'm not married. I don't have a steady boyfriend (okay, I don't have any boyfriend). Yes, I have a dog. No, I don't have kids.
But really, honestly, I have nothing to be ashamed of and she has nothing to judge me by. I am a very accomplished 30-year old. I am successful, own my home (so First Interstate Bank has a share in it too, minor detail), own my own vehicle, have completed two engineering degrees at two of the hardest colleges in the country, work my bum off, and have trained a very successful search dog. Not only that, but I am training my second one. I have made a difference in countless lives. I am healthy, in good shape, and I am a great leader. And I have a great blog. (one of those may be a lie)
As a society, we are so focused on "The American Dream" of starting a family young and having kids to show our success. But successes are different for everyone. So, no, I don't have a husband and a child. But I have a fantastic family and amazing friends who have helped me get to where I am. An accomplished, single, and happy 30-year old.
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