According to groundbreaking Facebook research, most breakups occur shortly before Christmas or right after Valentine’s Day. Just a head’s up.
If you find yourself unattached at the moment, Laura Lane and Angela Spera have written This Is Why You’re Single — a book based on a podcast that’s based on a comedy sketch show. They’ll be at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9th to spread their message.
If He’s Just Not That Into You was the dating manual of the aughts, This Is Why You’re Single (Adams Media, $16) might be its counterpart for the twenty-tens (decade nickname still under construction). After all, a lot has changed. Ten years ago we were learning how to date with cell phones, and Tinder was a just a twinkle in Cupid’s eye.
Appropriately, the book dedicates a section to dating with technology, with blunt chapter names like “You Don’t Know How to Advertise Yourself” and “You’re a Stalker.” For example, if you offer your date peach cobbler because they said it’s their favorite on Instagram, you might look a tad unhinged. Other mentioned reasons for singleness are “The Search” (are you asking too many people for advice?), “Who You Are” (leaving no mystery?), “Your Type” (a man child?), and finally, the way you’re actually dating.
While the target audience certainly seems to be women, many of the theories know no gender. Lane and Spera approach them almost completely through funny “modern-day dating fables” that might sound familiar. They use quizzes, illustrations, and annotated text message conversations to get advice across.
Full disclosure: much of the book takes on a “basic betch” persona that wouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea. Reading it conjures up images of being held hostage at brunch by a gaggle of young women sharing war stories. Which, let’s face it, sounds extremely fun.
The Sixth & I event will honor Lane and Spera’s roots with a comedy sketch show of the scenarios and characters from the book. The show will cover topics including, but not limited to: Pickup lines, romance, drones, Google, Shakespeare, and exclamation points.
Afterward, Lisa Bonos of Washington Post’s Solo-ish will hold a Q&A with the audience. You can participate by tweeting questions to @SixthandI using #SingleDC. Perhaps ask for the authors’ thoughts on the new singles data released this week.
Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. They are $14 for one ticket, $20 for ticket and a book, or $32 for two tickets and a book. Seating is general admission and doors open at 6 p.m.
