People Love Rubbing Their Relationships in My Face Because I’m Single – Here’s Why It Doesn’t Bother Me (Well, Almost Never)

The Smug Couple’s Flex: Why Their ‘Perfect’ Life Isn’t Fooling Anyone

Let’s be real: if you’re single, you’ve probably had that moment where a couple – maybe friends, maybe coworkers – decides to parade their relationship in front of you like it’s a shiny trophy. They’re holding hands, giggling over inside jokes, or posting those oh-so-cute Instagram stories about date night. Meanwhile, there you are: eating your sandwich alone, walking solo, no tiny humans calling you “mom” or “dad.” And they know it. It’s almost like they’re flexing their “we’re a team” status just to watch you squirm. Spoiler alert: I’m not squirming. At least, not usually.

Here’s the thing – 

I’ve been surrounded by this lately. Couples dropping not-so-subtle hints about how “complete” their lives are because they’ve got a ring or a plus-one. “Oh, you wouldn’t get it, you’re single,” they say with that smug little smirk. Or they’ll gush about their weekend plans while I’m over here planning my next Netflix binge. It’s like they think I’m sitting here, secretly jealous, drowning in my solitude because I don’t have a partner to argue with over whose turn it is to do the dishes.

Newsflash: Your Miserable Marriage Isn’t My Insecurity Trigger

Let’s get one thing straight: 

I’m not insecure about being single when I see these people. Why? Because half the time, their relationships aren’t even worth envying. I’ve seen the cracks behind the flex – the passive-aggressive jabs they sneak into conversations, the way they scroll their phones instead of talking to each other at dinner, or the “we’re fine” arguments I overhear when they think no one’s listening. You’re flexing a miserable marriage in front of me? Please. I’d rather eat alone than sit through that mess.

Sure, I’ll admit it – there’s a tiny part of me that might blink twice if they were living some fairytale life. You know the type: no fights, no money stress, just pure bliss and a castle made of gold. If they were rolling up with that kind of perfection, maybe I’d feel a twinge of “huh, what am I missing?” 

But 9 times out of 10, that’s not what’s happening. They’re just regular people with regular problems, slapping a filter on it and hoping I’ll buy the hype.

Why Being Single Feels Like the Ultimate Power Move Sometimes

Here’s what they don’t get: 

being single isn’t some sad, lonely pit they need to rescue me from. I eat alone because I like my own company – no awkward small talk required. I walk alone because I can go wherever I want without negotiating with someone else’s mood. No kids? Cool, I’ve got freedom they can only dream of. They’re out there flexing their relationship like it’s a status symbol, but I’m over here flexing my peace of mind.

And honestly, if they’re spending so much energy showing off to me, who’s really the insecure one here? Sounds like they’re trying to convince themselves more than me. I’m not saying single life is perfect – trust me, I’ve had my “ugh, it’d be nice to split the rent” moments – but it’s mine, and I’m good with it. They can keep their PDA and their “we’re so happy” speeches. I’ll be over here, living my life, no flex required.

The One Time I Might Actually Get Jealous (Spoiler: It’s Rare)

Okay, fine, I’ll give them this: 

if they were out there living a literal fairytale – no problems, endless cash, and a love story straight out of a rom-com – I might raise an eyebrow. If they’re jetting off to private islands while I’m microwaving leftovers, sure, I might feel a little “okay, you win.” But let’s be real, that’s not most people. Most of the time, their flex is just noise – and I’m not here for it.

So, to all the couples out there who think I’m secretly pining for their life: keep flexing. I’ll keep eating my solo dinners in peace. And if you’re single and reading this, drop a comment – 

let’s laugh about the last time someone tried to make you feel small for living your best unbothered life.