Where have all the married people gone?

This post is not really about running, mainly due to the fact that I got a horrible cold this week and haven't run in a few days. The topic of married vs. single people did arise from an evening out with my running group. It is not intended to be offensive toward anyone, but I am curious to know...where do people go when they get married?

Let me back up a little. Some of you know that my husband and I are socially different creatures. He is quiet, more introverted, and really does not like crowds of people. In fact, it took him some adjustment time just to get used to my family all crammed into one place for the holidays. I can be quiet (huh?), but like getting together with groups of friends and meeting new people. WE are totally ok with these differences, but I'm not sure OTHER people feel the same way.

One reason I joined the AIDS marathon training program was to meet new people, be part of a group, socialize, etc. Being the only married woman in the group did not phase me at first, but I've started to catch on that I might be viewed a little differently because I am married. (I should mention that this is not the first time). During our runs, I unintentionally offer the "married perspective" when conversations take a turn toward relationships. And, I went to a group fundraising activity one evening, and the conversation turned to discussing good places to meet guys. Some of the group was planning to get together to check out one of these places, when one of the girls said "Oh, no, my married friend is coming into town that weekend!" She wasn't saying it to put her friend down, she just wasn't sure if her friend would be interested. The statement got me thinking...

• Does an invisible wall go up between friends when someone ties the knot?
• Do people really become different when they marry, or do their friends just assume they are no longer fun?
• Do the majority of married couples just stay home all the time? Only go out with other married couples? Maybe they experience the same things I am experiencing and eventually give up?
• If I never told new people I was married, would they figure it out anyway - by some married body language and/or habits?

I'm honestly curious about this topic. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being married, but I do not define myself only as a married person. I still have my own interests, friends, job, identity, etc. I'm wondering if other people wonder about this as well? Feel free to post comments (see the bottom of this post.)