The Number 30

“What?! You’re 30 and still single?! Why?!”

There you go, the most common question I face nowadays. Not that I dread it though. It’s just that I keep on hearing the same thing over and over again. And the sad fact that the frequency of instances where this question pops up is increasing steadily.

Yeah, i’m a 30-year old bachelor. Big Deal.

Next topic please.

“By the way how’s that business of yours going..?”

“I heard your wife’s pregnant, congratulations.”

“What..? Uhmm.. yeah I have a fiancee.”

“She’s fine.”

“Remember those days when we used to skip school just to go watch movies..?”

“haha.. Uhm yeah, I met her in Dubai.”

“Waiter, another glass of beer over here.”

“We used to work together.”

“Hey, how’s Ronel? Any news from him..? Someone told me he got married already. That’s great news… huh.. uhmm well, maybe in a couple of years…”

Ahhh! It’s easy to get annoyed by situations like that but what people don’t realize is how lucky I am to have been able to reach this age, enjoy the life, have a blast, and importantly, stay “off-the-hook”. Hey, a married man can’t just go out, party till the wee hours, and if he’s lucky, get laid, or get ass-drunk and drags himself home. And add to that the fact that you are financially independent. I mean, I won’t be able to buy that latest pair of Levi’s jeans last week or this 3G Iphone (men, we do know our gadgets!) if I have a baby to feed, right?

A great career. I thought that was enough. Nakakasawa rin pala even for a late bloomer that I am. Before, when I was studying, I promised myself alot of things before settling down. I toiled with my studies hoping that one day, I will be reaping the fruits of my labor. Indeed, how sweet it is to finally be able to buy stuffs and do things independently.

Growing up in a family with 10 uncles, I can’t help but be the subject of their jokes when we are drinking. Being the first man in the family to reach 30 and still a bachelor. I can’t honestly say i’m proud of it, though…

I vowed to myself to finish the renovation of our house before I get married. Something to show my appreciation to my parents who never gave up on me even though I felt the world was on my shoulder at times. It’s a promise I kept and proudly fulfilled.

Looking at our house while taking a sip of coffee one morning, my mother approached me and..POP! the same question goes again: ” So when are you two getting married..?”

But before answering that question, I have to dig deep into myself if I am ready for this. A lovely and loving wife, one or two kids, a house to call my home… sounds good to me. Why not? Even if it means less night outs and more diaper nights. Believe me, the thought is scary but compelling. Hey, I even think it’s kind of fun!

Yes, I’m a 30-year old bachelor. And it’s been one helluva ride so far. Not that I chose to stay single for long, just that the search for the right woman took me a while longer than most of my friends.

But, I must say:

“She’s well worth the wait!”