Pause

Are you getting married? When are you going to start taking this seriously?

Well. It is actually none of your business! Marriage is also not up to just one person in the relationship. Furthermore, it is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. 

The fact that I would marry my man in a heartbeat even after a messy divorce says a lot. He's amazing but I cannot make him put a ring on it. Nor would I want to. Marriage is something that should be willingly entered into by both parties. And, if I have learned one thing in life it is that you don't always get what you want. I am with a lovely man who treats me with respect and holds similar values. He is kind, generous and thoughtful. He holds down a successful career, takes care of his health and adores my children. I can't ask for more than that!

So, next time you think about asking someone an inappropriate question - whether it be about their marital status, their weight or desire to have children - pause. Take a step back and consider how your nosy behaviour might affect them. Have some consideration for the fact that maybe they want to get married but their partner doesn't, they have a mental illness which means they eat for comfort and you bringing up the subject will only send them on another downward spiral of gorging themselves on the contents of the fridge or that they might be going through though fertility treatments to conceive a much desired for baby. Quell your desire to know everything about someone. Generally speaking, if they want to talk to you about their relationship, they will. You won't need to go prying. 

And if you do ask, be prepared for one of a couple of options:

- they will turn the question back on you in an attempt to make you uncomfortable (and hopefully realise your faux pas)

- they will blush with embarrassment and go silent (while considering whether they want to continue to spend time with you)

- they will give you a long string of reasons why whatever intrusive thing you have asked has not happened yet