English with Jo

Singlehood is usually defined as the state of being unmarried. However, the term also applies to having no romantic partner. Some people may assume that to be single means to be unhappy. However, some people prefer to live a single life and find many advantages to it. Others choose to stay single after being divorced or widowed. On the other hand, some people are not single by choice and would like to find a partner with which to share their life.

Video about Dealing with Single Life

• What do you think about Iyanla’s advice?
• Do you agree with all the advice she gives?
• Which do you think is the best advice?

Expressions

• The waiting game - the process of waiting for something you wish to obtain/achieve, in this case a partner
• Your heart sinks – when you feel disappointed and discouraged
• Soulmate - a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner
• Match made in heaven – a relationship that is likely to be happy and successful because the two people are very compatible with each other
• Head over heels (in love) – to be completely in love
• Find Mr Right - to find the right partner, to find the person you want to marry
• Love at first sight - to fall in love with someone or something the first time that you see him or her or it

Conversation Questions 

• What are some of the advantages of being single?
• What are some disadvantages of being single?
• What are some of the differences between married life and single life? Are the differences the same for men and women?
• What are the main reasons some people live a single life?
• Do you think most people that are single are happy or unhappy?
• Do you think it is easier for a man or a woman to be single?
• What are some life events or times of the year when it might be difficult to be single?
• Do you think that there is a soulmate somewhere for everyone?
• In your country, what do people think about a woman who is unmarried?
• What do people think about a man who is unmarried?
• What are the advantages of having a partner/spouse?
• What are the disadvantages of having a partner/spouse?
• How do you think a single person spends their time?
• How is their lifestyle different to a married person?
• What does your culture think about single parenting?
• Does your government support single parents?
• Are most of your friends married or single?
• How do your habits change when you are single versus when you are in a relationship?