in which I describe my preferences on social events

I'm married. Y'all are single. No, I don't want to go to your dance party.

Now before you misjudge me or act surprised at this recent turn of events (having been married at the tender young age of 20, I've been going to parties with single people for years and years), let me explain. Back when all my friends were still single, it never bothered me to go to things together. I went to, and sometimes even helped host, myriad house parties, movie nights, bbqs, etc. It was never weird. I tried to remember to wear my ring, and if it so happened that a nice boy started to chat me up, I or one of my friends usually managed to mention T-rav. Sometimes said boy would keep talking...more often he would move on to his next prey. Totally understandable. But I don't believe in the mysterious "line" between married and single people. There's no reason to stop hanging out with your single friends just because you're married. That's weird. And dumb.

So now we live in a new place smack dab in the midst of a bundle of LDS singles. Obviously they're all lovely people, but I only really know about 4 of them, making it a bit awkward for me (and possibly for them) to go single's events where the main point is to mix, mingle, and, most likely, scope out any potential inamorati. Which, again, is totally understandable. If I were still single, I would be doing the very same. But I know very well that the highlight of their evening is not going to be making small talk with the one married girl from down the street. I've been in situations where a boy doesn't know my marital status, is acting very flirty as he introduces himself, and then when I mention the word husband, he suddenly starts squirming and the conversation abruptly ends. And I start squirming because I dislike watching other people feel uncomfortable almost as much as I hate the feeling myself.

In summary: I have no problem socializing with single people. I would be a weirdo if I did. I do feel more than a little awkward going to events that are intended to help people hook up (in the PG kind of way) where I don't know anyone. I'm happy to go to, say, a bbq or a casual get together. Or something that didn't involve dancing or a romantic holiday. Otherwise, thank you for the invite, but please don't think me rude or ungrateful if I don't actually show up.