If you've watched any rendition of the movie Cinderella and left with nothing or if all you can think of is how unrealistic and impossible the chances are of falling in love with a man you just met and becoming queen is, I hope you also take away one more thing: Cinderella never started out looking for a man, all she wanted was a night off and to make friends. Seriously, have you ever realised that? While her sisters went out gallivanting and forcing themselves into dresses that don't fit only to end up miserable and alone, all Cinderella desired was two simple things: to put her feet up for once and to meet new people. Although the original synopsis for the movie was created over 300 years ago we can still apply some of the lessons learned to ourselves today.
Ladies, life is not about finding your prince charming, it's not about finding that man to complete you, it's not about looking a certain way and fitting into what doesn't fit you all for the sake of being accepted. Last time I checked, you were born already complete and whole. These last, however old you are, years you have lived such a wonderful existence without the addition of being married.
Contrary to popular Facebook belief, not everyone you know is getting engaged, married and/or having children. Not everyone's status is changing from "single" to "in a relationship" and that's okay too. Your life is happening whether you have a man or not so go and live it! Create your own fairytale and do so proudly. Step away from the stigma that being single is less than any other relationship status because it's not (Little known secret: every status was created equal, we just let society put value to each one and didn't fight them on it). Know that everything you currently have in your life is enough.
While we're being honest here, I believe that ball or no ball Cinderella would have found a way to move out and move on happily. In the mean time though, she lived life, enjoyed each day, worked hard, and made the most of her time by valuing what she had - even if all she did have was one dress to her name and 3 mice as friends. Ultimately, she knew that she had all the trappings for a fairytale ending, prince or not.
However, this is not to say that you have the wrong goals if you are indeed looking for a guy. Don't be ashamed to admit that either. Your guy will come but it won't be the start of your life but rather a positive and welcomed addition to it.