What to Say When Someone Asks Why You Are Single after 40 — Be Your Own Brand of Sexy

Linda’s fork clattered against her plate as the words left Greg’s mouth: “So, why is a beautiful woman like you still single?”

At 53, Linda had hoped she’d be immune to this question by now. But here she was, on yet another first date, feeling like a deer in headlights.

Her mind raced. Tell the truth? That her 25-year marriage had ended because her ex-husband decided he preferred his much younger assistant? That she’d spent the last three years piecing her self-esteem back together? That she was terrified of being hurt again?

Or should she go with a light-hearted deflection? “Oh, you know, just waiting for Mr. Right!” The words tasted bitter even in her imagination.

“I… well…” Linda stammered, acutely aware of Greg’s expectant gaze. She took a large gulp of wine, buying herself a few precious seconds

“I guess I’m just picky,” she finally managed, cringing inwardly at how cliché it sounded.

Greg nodded, clearly unsatisfied with the answer but polite enough not to press further. The conversation moved on, but Linda’s thoughts remained stuck.

Why was she still single? The question echoed in her mind, bringing with it a flood of insecurities she thought…