+1 {fail}

I seldom suffer from a lack of confidence. Put me in a meeting and I'm not afraid to speak up. Because most of the time, I think I have something important to add. I am (semi-) well educated, well traveled, and have a lot of amazing friends.

So I walk around with my head held high, secure in my place in the world and my contributions to it. I am woman, hear me roar.

But on the random days I prance to the mailbox and find a social invitation, my confidence plummets. There, in what I interpret as a mocking tone, I read the words that strike fear into my heart: "Lori and Guest."

I hate the plus one. I vacillate between an RSVP of regret and securing a pity date. I wonder which poor guy friend I can drag to a wedding or cocktail party or black tie dinner. I question if I have the guts to walk in alone or whether to become the third or fifth wheel to one of my married girlfriends.

Yeah, here's my dirty little secret: "and guest" makes me feel like a big fat failure.

Because, let's face it, from the moment we're born we're conditioned to be part of a pair. No one wants to invite the single gal to a dinner party. No one likes to go to the theatre alone. And even though I'm sure the bride's parents aren't sad about one serving of chicken instead of two, slow dances weren't meant to be solo.

So forgive me if I seem off my game, because this week I've been invited to a wedding, a charity fundraiser, and a birthday party. All three invites said "Lori and Guest." And even though marriage would certainly have tax benefits, more than anything else, it would be great not to stress about my plus one.

But when I discussed this with a married pal earlier this evening, she responded: "I would love to not have a permadate for every event and instead just go with a friend and have fun." Hmmm... the grass is always greener on the other side of the bed.