Single mom puts real effort into socializing with couples

DEAR ABBY: I have an answer for a question from “Excluded in the East” you printed on Sept. 24: “Why do married couples exclude single people?”

As a single mother with three children for 15 years, I made the conscious decision to conduct myself as I always had when I was part of a couple. I hosted backyard parties and holiday dinners and invited my married friends. I initiated invitations for dinner and a movie.

At restaurants, I made sure to pick up my own tab. If a couple insisted on paying for my meal, I insisted on paying the tip and was prepared with cash. Why? Because I was mindful that some men felt uncomfortable about taking money from a single woman.

If I wanted company for the evening, I drove to their house. Sometimes I volunteered to be the designated safe driver. Most important, I never complained about my ex or vented about the difficulties of coping as a single mom.

Needless to say, there was no flirting or inappropriate comments. I also avoided lengthy side conversations with one spouse.

In short, I worked hard to make sure my married friends enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed theirs, and it worked! — LAURA IN NEW YORK