the +1 problem

I was watching an episode of “How I Met Your Mother” the other day and the whole thing was about what happens when you’re single and you receive a wedding invitation. Inevitably there’s that little check box that you have to fill out in order to make sure that the wedding party can plan for the appropriate number of people. The check box of doom for singles. The episode highlighted that you have to think – “where am I going to be in 3 months? Am I going to have a +1? Am I going to be single? Do I check +1, and then risk showing up alone? But if I don’t check +1, and end up in a relationship 3 months from now, can I still bring that person?” the episode was hilarious.

But sure enough… I had that exact dilemma. One of my bestest friends in the whole world will be getting married in July, and while the invitation is a formality (as she knows I will be there with bells on!), there is still that blank check box. Oh, I battled with this one. Yes, I am confidently single right now. And truth be told, I have a few male friends who would be more than happy to be my platonic +1 should the need arise. All you’d have to do is mention free food and they’d be on board. I love them for that. So if, in 3 months, I am still single, I will probably be set. But there’s always that “what if” factor.

I suppose the same issue would apply if you were in a relationship and for whatever reason that relationship ended in between the time you checked off the +1 box. It’s all so damn complicated!

So, to my bestest friend, I checked off the +1 box (in cyberspace, but you get the point) in the hopes that this will work out in my favor. I bought a pretty dress and I can’t wait to see you and your lovely man tie the knot. Because, really, that’s what it’s all about.

I’m just more than a little selfish and that’s totally why you love me.