1. I Make Too Much Money

If there is one thing that can make an unwelcome conversation awkward for everyone but you, it’s bringing up money. When the neighborhood gossip asks, "Why are you still single?" tell her that you make so much money that it’s impossible to find a boy to marry (because of course, like a good Indian girl, you’d want a man who earned more than you, right?) and see how quickly they change the topic!

2. I Want to Marry a Girl

If there is one thing that makes nosy older aunties cringe, it is talking about homosexuality (or any sexuality, really). So the next time someone asks you why you’re single, smile, and tell them it’s because you want to marry a girl and unfortunately, no one is letting you. Then sit back and watch them squirm and wonder whether you’re being serious or not!

3. I Have Very High Standards

The next time someone pokes you about your single status, tell him or her that you have very high standards and then narrate a long list of characteristics you’re looking for in a partner. Once they realize you’re not going to settle for anyone less than George Clooney (who is now married), maybe they’ll leave you alone.

4. I Can’t Cook

For most Indian aunties, this should be reason enough to forget your single status and start bemoaning the fact that you can’t cook! Seriously. Telling interfering relatives that you’re single because you can’t cook will totally distract them. Of course, you’ll end up having to listen to them tell you about how it’s high time you learnt how to cook etc. But at least they’ve gotten off your back about being single right?

5. I like Being Happy

They ask you why you are still single, you keep a straight face and tell them you like being happy. And then look at how confused everyone looks. This is the easiest way to deflect those annoying queries about why you’re not married yet!

6. An Astrologer Said I Won’t Marry

This is one excuse that might actually get accepted! One sure shot way of ensuring people don’t ask you the same annoying question over and over again is to tell them that some astrologer you met as a child had told you that you’ll never marry and that all you’re doing is following his predictions. You might even get some sympathetic looks after this.

7. My Boyfriend is Not the Marrying Kind

The next time you’re asked why you’re still single just tell them that your boyfriend is not the marrying kind and that you’re thinking of being in a live-in relationship with him. The topic of your singlehood will definitely take a backseat and all you’ll get are scandalized looks. But those you can ignore right?

Any single Indian girl will tell you how difficult it is to fend off curious relatives and gossiping neighbors. Everyone wants to know when you’re getting married and ending your singlehood. But now you know how to answer the constantly asked “why are you still single” question in a manner that will at least distract, if not end the queries! Do you have your own perfect response to the “Why are you still single?” question that you’d like to share?