Becoming a Spinster

I waited in line so I could add my name to the log so I could continue to do my advocacy work.

After asking my name and address, they asked the more personal questions that I am starting to dread.

Your marital status?
Single. I think since I have been divorced for over 10 years now that the statistical data shouldn't count as divorced but as single, especially since I am a single mother.

Your age?
40. I sigh a big sigh.

It's May and in two months, in July, I'll be 41. When does a woman become a spinster? Did I enter spinsterhood a decade ago when I hit thirty? Am I spinster now because I am forty? Or would the women's movement grant me a reprieve so I don't enter the old maid's category until I reach fifty or sixty? In some circles, I'm considered a spinster because I am single and don't date.

However, I have children... so does that change my status?

My mother isn't reticent about reminding me that my biological clock is ticking. I already have children and I have already had a hysterectomy so what exactly is ticking? And do I want my body to be ticking?

Why does the word spinster dredge up awful images and heartless thoughts?

spin-ster (spnstr)
NOUN:
1. A woman who has remained single beyond the conventional age for marrying.
2. A single woman.
3. An unmarried or single woman; used in legal proceedings as a title, or addition to the surname.
4. A woman of evil life and character.
5. An elderly unmarried woman.
6. Someone who spins (who twists fibers into threads).

At the time of this posting, I was happy to be a spinster; but after finding and reading the definitions above, I'm not so sure.