Hi I am single & I work as a kids/youth pastor. I work in a church. I work with men. The rest of the Pastors are married men, the board of deacons - married men. My district super superintendent you guessed it ... Married man!

Thoughts that have helped me stay sane

1. As a single person allow yourself to have friends of the opposite sex. But set clear emotional boundaries. Refuse to play games! Don't make this person your primary confidant! Keep things honest and upfront. Choose not to be the person who feels lonely and so then just uses people to fill the space.

2. If you have a friend of the opposite sex who gets married. Change boundaries accordingly. This might mean that your friendship with this person dramatically changes so EXPECT the friendship to change. & thank God for the gift that that friendship is and what it had to offer.
Embrace the change. Let go... friendships are always developing, changing, moving on.. and just because a friendship changes doesn't mean that you should cut off all.. opposite sex friendships.... because the guys and girls around you have a lot you can appreciate and learn from.

Embrace your circumstances: Go to a movie by yourself. Do hang out with your friends that are couples. Don't just be the third wheel... be the third friend in a group of friends ... hanging out!

3. Choose respect & always err on the side of caution.... a short awkward or difficult conversation.... 1 million times better than the consequences of avoiding responsibility.