When someone I know asks me this question, "Sister, when do you intend to change your single status?" I wonder at what response I am supposed to give.

I momentarily fantasized with the idea of replying thus, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."
In all sincerity, I wished people stopped asking us singles the question about when we intend to marry. I know many will defend themselves by saying that they are showing concern. I told a senior friend that he could show his concern by offering to pay for my tuition "in the abroad". I never heard from him again. He went straight to voice mail. Even the voicemail, I could not replay it.
Dear single sister clocking almost thirty years and over,
Please hang in there and never attempt to throw in the towel, even though it seems like an endless wait. This is not a time to fall into the enticing embrace of depression. I know how the questions of 'concerned' friends who query your single-hood, could be mind boggling and unsettling. Almost causing you to lose sight of God's evergreen promises which says, "none shall lack her mate". You just need to keep trusting and believing.
You deserve the best. And that I say without apology to anyone. No one should make you feel bad for being too choosy. Being over 30 and "approaching menopause" are not criteria for accepting just anybody and lowering God's standards for your life. Please do not dim your achievements in life to accommodate some insecure bachelor. You are only being a hypocrite if you do that. It is not your fault that you are successful. You worked hard for it and success naturally accompanys hard work.
You are beautiful, intelligent, smart, swaggacious, articulate. That a man has not seen you and married you now, is not because you are grossly deficient. Simply put, he lacks insight. Be yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin. Acknowledge your imperfections and make room for improvement. Genuine men are out there. One who would love you and your entire package and sweep you off your feet, will come for you soonest.
You are only a spinster once. So, I would suggest you take charge of the things you have control over while you actively wait. Maximize this waiting period and invest in it greatly. Very soon, it will pass before you know it. Do not spend the rest of your life wondering why you never took advantage of the available time you had. Wouldn't you even be ashamed to admit to yourself that instead of doing something profitable, you were busy thinking and worrying, and even crying? Did I just sound a tad bit harsh?
Be an achiever. Acquire more skills. Keep yourself busy. Improve your gold mine of knowledge. Bag more degrees. Save up money and tour Nigeria and the world. Engage yourself in Kingdom work for the Master. Attend conferences. Meet people who matter. Create a circle or network of friends in corporate organizations. Become a writer, entrepreneur, public speaker, anything great. Make your first million. Invent something which the world is yet to see. Fulfill purpose. A woman was not created solely for marriage and child bearing. I mean, her existence does not revolve around that alone.
Lastly, maintain a high level of optimism. If your present environment is threatening your peace of mind, then wisdom demands that you make the necessary shift. If you can afford to, go to another part of town and rent a small place. Surround yourself with positive and vibrant people. Those who would add value to your life. You could make Isaiah 34:16 your 'go to' verse when you feel almost discouraged.
Your co-spinster in Christ,
Funmi.
P.S.
So when next you are being asked, "when are we coming to tie gele?"
Tell them, "I could help organize a gele competition so you can tie all the gele you want."