Journal Entry #10: During Thanksgiving Dinner My Relatives Asked Me If I Was Dating. And They Loved My Response.

“That moment was a welcome surprise to the experience most single people dread during the holidays.”

We were all sitting around the table last night, engaged in multiple conversations and chatter while soca music was playing in the background. Empty bottles of sparkling juice and Trinidadian beer littered the dinner table.

I found myself sitting still in my cushioned chair, taking in the excitement and laughter around me. It is a rare treat for me to be seen by anyone as I am a textbook introvert and loner. Earlier that evening I was blissfully asleep while Futurama was streaming on my Macbook. My father knocked on my door twice and forced me to awaken from my nap to join in with the family.

My aunt leaned over and asked me my age. The room got awfully quiet as everyone awaited my answer.

I was so taken back by the ceased conversations that I actually forgot how old I was! I looked up towards the heavens, hoping the ancestors would tell me what year of life I was in as I drew a blank.

Finally I remembered and gave her my answer. “I completely forgot my age!” I told her.