 | “They call themselves the Unclaimed Treasures…. They wear silk dresses and go barefoot.” – Sarah Plain and Tall The Unclaimed Treasures are three aunts, old maids, who lived in Main. One of them said that she had almost gotten married one time, “but not quite”. So, the threesome lived their lives happily together, wearing silk dresses, running around barefoot, and having a ball in life while bringing joy to the lives of others. “Don’t you have a boyfriend YET?” No. |
“Why not?”
Because I’ve turned all of them away.
“What for?”
Because. I am waiting to see which one comes back; which one thinks I’m worth fighting for.
That is a short conversation that I had with a lady the other day.
Most folk don’t understand why I don’t have a boyfriend. After all, I am in my twenties, I’m pretty (if I do say so myself), I’m outgoing, I’m successful but…. I don’t have a boyfriend? For them, that often means that a piece of the puzzle is missing as far as my happiness and success.
“Don’t you….don’t you get lonely?” a teenager asked me with concern.
Yes. I do. But, doesn't everyone? Even married people get lonely.
I have learned to ignore my loneliness by working. When I feel lonely, I work. When the solitary feeling of singleness strikes at my heart, making me long for a strong arm to lean on, I immerse myself into more work.
Another way that I whoop the loneliness bug is that I sit and enjoy the company of my family: I have a sister just a year younger than me who is my best friend. I have 4 little siblings who like to learn, play, and goof off with me. I have a great mom who is always ready to talk about whatever, and I have a dad who is as manly as they come without being ridiculous. Honestly, if the longing for a man in my life plagues me, I can cure it in a matter of minutes by talking with my dad… or my grandpa… or my brothers. Take your pick. They are all men. Having a “honey” to talk to shouldn’t be any different than talking with the men that are already in my life.
Other times, when it seems like there is no one to talk to and nothing to do, I pray and read my Bible to drive away the empty feeling of my heart. God and His Word can fill me to the fullest, ease my pain, fill me with love and happiness, and show me contentment.
Yes, I do get lonely. Sometimes, I think that it would be so nice to have an unrelated guy who thinks I’m special, who wants to hug me, hold my hand, put a kiss on my head, and give me flowers. Someone who thinks I’m special enough to spend the rest of his life with.
But, the fact of the matter is that I have not yet met a guy like that. Oh, I have met plenty who think I’m special all right, but I could tell that I wasn’t the sort of special they needed in their life.
“Well, how do you expect to ever get married?”
I get that question a lot. And I mean A LOT.
The answer is simple: I don’t expect to. I would like to, but I don’t expect it to happen. I am a treasure, and if I remain and Unclaimed Treasure, I will be content with that.
Written by Kathryn Fogleman
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