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Billy Tyus tries to separate his private life as a single man from his public life as assistant city manager.
But that doesn't always work.
"Sometimes I will be out on a date and having dinner when people who know me will come up and start talking to me about things going on in the city. And I have been on dates where the person is not always comfortable with that," he said.
But more and more people are OK with the idea of flying solo and enjoying the single lifestyle. And though it hasn't quite caught on as one of the most popular gift-giving occasions, this week through Sept. 25 is National Singles Week. The idea originated in Ohio during the 1980s.
There are nearly 100 million unmarried Americans, or about 44 percent of the Unites States population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Andrew Wrage, a communication representative for Caterpillar Inc., said he would love to get married and have a child one day.
"(Until then) there is nothing I can't go out and do. I don't have to answer to anyone," Wrage, 26, said.
"I do think people are waiting longer to get married in order to find that right person and are satisfied just dating," said Wrage, who had the experience of buying a custom-made engagement ring before a three-year relationship fizzled.
Chris Henneberry, 48, is a licensed massage therapist and is studying to be an ordained minister.
She said she doesn't tell people that she is not married, instead, "I am not yet married."
Henneberry has had marriage offers in the past. She said she was not emotionally or spiritually ready to be married at the time.
"Based on the world standards today, people would rather live together," she said. "If you are focused on meeting your own needs, then you enter into marriage with the wrong ideas."
Tyus, 34, who is currently dating someone, said he definitely would like to get married one day.
"I was blessed to have grown up in a household with two parents who loved each other and to me it is the ideal situation to have regarding a relationship," Tyus said.
Tyus also said some of his married friends often say they don't get to do anything or go anywhere because they are in a committed relationship.
"But I feel if you're in the right relationship, you shouldn't feel restricted. It also doesn't mean you should stay out late every night or do things you shouldn't," he said.
Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.
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