March 18, 2024

The answer to the question

I feel like a lot of people are asking me, even more so than usual, one question in particular. Surprisingly, this questions has nothing to do with work or recent events surrounding work, still, in a way it does involve work.

What is this fascinating question that has readers, friends and family members thoroughly perplexed? It’s not shocking, or controversial, nonetheless it is the question that I’m sure every single person in history has groaned at when asked, “Why don’t you have a girlfriend?”

For me, there is a multitude of factors on why I choose to be single. The simplest reason is work. A lot of people don’t comprehend or understand that journalists don’t have “normal” work schedules.

While most folks are singing hymns and reciting scriptures on Sundays, I’m writing. As millions of Americans are enjoying the CBS Monday Night Primetime line-up, I’m usually at a board meeting and once it convenes, I’m writing anywhere between one to four stories about said meeting.

A lot of people go to the races, bike nights or parades in Newton to simply have a good time. Most of those occasions, I’m taking photographs, making contacts and looking out for more story ideas.

This is an extremely toned down version of my job duties. There’s planning, team development, maintaining contact with sources, copyediting, social media duties, phone and email tag, and, of course, coffee runs. Even listing that many things, I’m still leaving out a bunch of stuff.

Now tell me, how I could possibly maintain a somewhat healthy relationship with a woman when in all honestly, she’d be fifth or sixth on my priority list. My job/career is No. 1. Family and friends is two, myself is three, fourth is financial security and fifth is my one true lady love, Madame Xbox.

Not many women are too understanding about my priority list (especially No. 5). Here’s the thing, I’m somewhat young, very ambitious and motivated by equal parts of wanting to be successful and my innate fear of failure.

In my mind, the opportunity to find that significant other will always be there, but now is the time for me narrow my focus, keep my nose down and prioritize on whatever it takes to help me achieve my goals.

I recently made two purchases that I consider an investment in myself. I bought a Chromebook — it’s like a laptop with less features —  and a new suit jacket. I hate wearing suits, and the 11-inch Chromebook looks like a toy in my lap. Even so, they both will serve me well.

The suit will come in handy when I’m covering or attending those “fancy smancy” events, and the Chromebook gives me the ability to have a lightweight portable work station.

When you’re in a serious relationship, those type of spur of the moment purchases are frowned upon unless they are discussed extensively first. Me, I don’t have to worry about that because I don’t answer to anyone when I go home. I only have to worry about if I eat, not if “we” eat.

Don’t get me wrong, I still date and enjoy a fine evening out with members of the opposite sex — I’m just not really looking for anything more than that.

I know the old adage: “Behind every successful man, there is a great woman.”  I’m sure I’ll fit that bill someday, however, I’m content being single and hanging with Becky (my car) and Madame Xbox.

I’m sure one day, when I’ve reached a majority of my goals, those two ladies won’t be enough. Until that day comes, my priority list will remained unchanged. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have some more work to do — the news never stops and neither do I.

Senior staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 6532, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.