Responding To: "So, Do You Have A Boyfriend?" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Responding To: "So, Do You Have A Boyfriend?"

This girl's unapologetic response to a question that makes me want to plug my ears and go "la, la, la, I CAN'T HEAR YOU" every time.

2499
Responding To: "So, Do You Have A Boyfriend?"
Google Images

I suppose you can say it's a harmless question, but for me it's actually quite loaded. There are a lot of different issues that come up when I'm put on the spot about being in a relationship, and specifically being in a relationship with a man. I can't really be angry with anyone who's asked, but here are a couple things to consider...

It's difficult to know who I am when people constantly make assumptions about my identity. Then, there's a special type of confusion and erasure that comes with being bisexual. First, there's the notion that I "pass for straight," especially because I'm femme. The fact that I don't "look bisexual," whatever the hell that means, often leads to people assuming that I want to be in a relationship with a man. I'm struggling enough on my own to understand my sexuality, so I don't particularly enjoy others making it worse. Especially when it's none of their business.

Then there's the broader issue of societal heteronormativity. We subscribe to a "straight until proven guilty" method of talking about relationships. I feel uncomfortable when people come at me with "do you have a boyfriend?" It tells me that the person has assumed my sexuality without bothering to ask. Why are you assuming my straightness? Why don't you say, "so, do you have a partner?" or "are you seeing someone?" or simply, "are you into dating?" Better yet, let me bring up my dating/sex life on my own terms and don't pry. For a lot of LGBTQIA+ people, openly expressing one's sexuality is a safety concern. I can never be sure how others are going to react, even if we've been friends for a long time. Imagine having to re-come out every time you have a conversation with a stranger or acquaintance. It's emotionally exhausting the first time, let alone the tenth, twelfth, twentieth, etc.

Aside from all of that, and especially for women, there's a sense of disappointment when you politely answer "no." People react with such pity, like I'm so helpless and empty inside because I don't have a boyfriend. On the contrary, school is great, work is engaging and my friends are lovely people. I enjoy being single. I enjoy focusing on myself. I don't like how the pitiful reactions advance the notion that I should be on this dutiful quest to find a man, that somehow I can't possibly be happy on my own. Sometimes I even get asked by relatives or family friends if I have marriage plans in the works? I don't even have weekend plans in the works! When I force a chuckle and say "no," then I inevitably get the "oh don't worry, you'll find a man someday." A man? Who says I want one of those?

Another unavoidable part of this whole debacle is that it brings up a lot of self-esteem issues. It's no secret that I've struggled with body confidence since I was a little girl. I've felt ugly and undesirable because of my size. Little comments stick with you, like in eighth grade when one of my male friends told me he'd "never date a fat girl" or when a group of fuck boys freshman year of college said, "fine, don't hang with us, you're a fat bitch anyway." I feel alienated talking about dating with my friends, like it's a conversation I'm not supposed to be a part of. So when people ask me if I have a boyfriend in the back of my mind I can't help but think, "why even bother asking?"

So yeah, it's "just a question." I'm only asking you to to think about it. A lot of cool things happen when you use your brain.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195569
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18064
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460294
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27987
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments