Yeah, this happens a lot. Granted, married women tend to either be the best at advice…or the absolute worst. Once that ring is on your finger, it’s really easy to forget how difficult dating is and that not every guy is the prince charming you have.

Image: Newscom

I try to keep these things in mind when a friend stops by and asks “what should I do?”

It’s your opinion. Just because you are married, does not mean you have a graduate degree in relationships. Your opinion is valid, but it’s not truth or fact. Remember that much of what you speak comes from personal experience that may or may not – probably not – be similar to your friend’s predicament.

You don’t know the whole story. Don’t automatically side with your friend on everything either. Listen to the whole story (as told by her) and gently try to guide her from there. But just mindlessly blaming him is pointless – unless he really is to blame for it all (unlikely).

Don’t use your marriage as an example. Should the words, “Well, when Paul and I…” start to cross your lips, try to hold back. Unless you truly believe that the commitment between your unmarried couple friends is comparable (and she would agree with you on that), you’re only going to sound like the obnoxious married friend.

Post from: Blisstree

When You Are “The Married Friend”

And for a minute I entertain the idea of what that would be like. So, I might visit Dating Dames.

Where I get a ring-side view on what it’s like to be single today.

Take this story on how you can require a date to fill out The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Application. There is even a space for Relationship Background and References. How romantic.

I like to ponder the great questions of life “Is it wrong to stay in a relationship just for the great sex?“ Certainly, I’ve stayed for lesser reasons.

Hollywood Hookups – Hot or Not? Do I think Zack Braff and Drew Barrymore are hot together? Um. No one is good enough for Drew. No one. Not that Zack Braff isn’t cute, no one is good enough.

And I get to look at really weighty questions about the nature of choosing a spouse: Is the topic of religion taboo in relationships? (Uh, just a warning – if you don’t talk about this while dating, you’re in for some unpleasant arguments at every religious milestone like baptisms, communion and confirmations of the children – it can get pretty hairy.)

Generally I end my trip down Single Lane by filling in the blank with SUCKS. Single Life SUCKS.

I end up pretty grateful I only have to guess what one man is thinking – the one I’m already married to.

Post from: Blisstree

Single Life (fill in the blank)