7 Non-Sexual Things Couples Do For Each Other That Totally Suck When You’re Single

Some of us have that best friend who basically functions as a significant other: She or he is your built-in support system, your shoulder to cry on, your sounding board for when you just need to vent about your parents or your boss for a while. They are the first person you call with big news, whether that means a promotion or finding out you’re about to be laid off. You hold hands on your way to coffee or cocktails, and you have no qualms resting your head on this person’s shoulder during the slow part of the movie.

That’s great for those people, but many of us aren’t so lucky. Whether you’re 22 and just broke up with your college boyfriend or girlfriend, 35 and starting a new career in a new city, or 40 and suddenly a single parent, operating solo can be hugely dispiriting, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. Here are seven totally non-sexual, unglamorous yet essential things significant others do that suck when you’re single.

1. Picking you up from the airport.

Seriously, why is it so hard to convince casual acquaintances or work buddies to do this? What could they possibly be doing at five in the morning or eleven o’clock at night that’s so important anyway?

2. Being your de facto emergency contact.

Finding yourself unexpectedly in need of a ride home after your root canal à la Liz Lemon in that Valentine’s Day episode of 30 Rock really can make you feel like “the Picasso of loneliness.”

3. Picking up birth control prescriptions and/or emergency tampons.

Somehow the argument “hey buddy, both of us are benefiting from this vagina so the least you can do is drop by Walgreens” just doesn’t resonate as much with someone you’re not sleeping with.

4. Being your wingman/woman at office parties.

Not to mention your excuse to leave early if things get too awkward and/or no alcohol is being served.

5. Being your travel buddy.

Weekend getaways aren’t half as fun, relaxing or affordable without someone to split the gas and share the motel room.

6. Household chores.

You’ll never hate taking out the trash, paying taxes or stringing Christmas lights as much as you do right after a nasty separation with the person who used to take care of those kinds of things.

7. Being able to ask this.

“Does this thing on my ass just look like a weird mole, or do you think it’s something to worry about?”