About Rebecca Eckler
Since becoming pregnant with her daughter Rowan, Canadian journalist and author Rebecca Eckler has penned three hilarious books, including the best-selling Knocked Up. Catch Rebecca’s weekly unique perspective on motherhood and single parenthood.
People very rarely surprise me. But I was SHOCKED when a male friend told me he went to a trendy restaurant recently and overheard the following question being asked at the table behind him:
“Do you have any friends who are single mothers, in their 30’s, who have low self-esteem, to fix me up with?”
First, I asked my friend what restaurant this took place at and made a mental note to stay far away. I don’t care how trendy your place is. You are the company your establishment attracts.
Then I asked him to PLEASE repeat what he overheard.
He explained that it was a DUDE who asked a female the, “Do you have any friends who are single mothers, in their 30s, who have to low self-esteem, to fix me up with” question.
My friend explained that, obviously, this guy was looking for some fun in the bed. Apparently, single mothers are easy!
I tried to pry out of him what the reaction was of the female, but my friend had stopped listening in, which sucks, but isn’t that always the case with men?
I mean, I went out for brunch with a male the other week and barely paid attention to anything he was saying because at the table RIGHT BESIDE ours, a couple was breaking up.
I felt so lucky! It was like winning the lottery! Not only was the food pretty good, AT THE TABLE RIGHT BESIDE ME, a couple was breaking up! It was more entertaining than a movie! I adore eavesdropping!
But I digress and will get back to the point at hand, which is: Apparently, single mothers are PREY to a certain type of man. Who knew?
I asked my friend if that’s how men saw me. He said, “No way,” and a bunch of other nice things that I forget because I was too livid about this stranger’s question to enjoy the glowing compliments.
But isn’t the proof in the (fat-free) pudding? Am I in my thirties? (Check!) Am I a single mother? (Check!) Do I suffer from low self-esteem sometimes? (Well, I am human, so…check!)
Does this mean I have to be wary of men out there who think they can, basically, trick me into BED?
I do know that my self-esteem is not that low and I don’t need it that bad. But I was livid that there’s even ONE man out there who thinks that way.
Then it hit me. I knew exactly what type of man would ask that sort of question to a female. The answer is, “A complete LOSER!” So I got over it.
But, man, how I would have LOVED to eavesdrop in on THAT conversation!