What would you rather do? Live vicariously through someone else – or live?

Recently, I have been told by many of my friends who are married and/or parents that although they are happy with their own lives – they are living vicariously through mine. To them, “living the single life” is but a memory. Their nights of going out with their friends have been replaced with changing diapers and spending time with “the misses”. So whenever I tell them stories of a recent party I had, a TV taping I did – or a pretty woman I met – they say things like, “You’re the man!” or “Why can’t that happen to me?” The funny thing is that growing up, I never thought my life would be exciting enough for people to want to live vicariously through it – but now that it is – I will make sure that my life always stays this way.

When I invite my married friends to a party I am having, or to an event I am hosting, before they can tell me yes or no – they have to “ask permission” from their wives. Permission? Why? I could understand if they want to check and see if they have previous plans – but permission? Some of my married friends just say no to me without even bothering to ask their wife because they already know that their wife will say no, while other friends of mine even have to go so far as to spend weeks convincing their wives to “allow” them to hang out with me.

I do not understand this – and I never will. In my opinion, if a member of a married couple wishes to go out with their friends – informing their partner is an obvious courtesy – but unless there is a prior commitment – why does one partner have the right to say no to the other?

This is precisely why I plan to remain the single, free spirit that I am. The best thing about my life right now is that it is mine to do with as I please. I have no one to answer to, no romantic commitments or obligations to abide by – and the ability to enjoy life and its experiences with nothing or no one holding me back. Basically, the world is my oyster – and I intend to keep it that way.

I am not knocking married life by any means. My friends Doug and Amy are married and I have never seen a happier couple, but I feel that if you are only able to live vicariously through someone else rather then live your own life – then how is that living?

As for me, the only person I plan to live vicariously through is myself – and that is indeed the best way to live.