My Plus 1 is... me!

I can really relate to Betty Suarez. In last week’s episode of Ugly Betty, the imperfectly beautiful woman with the heart of gold attended a swanky company party alone.

The man she hoped would ask her instead took another girl, former boss turned best friend Daniel took his new assistant and while her intentions were primarily selfish, ditzy friend Amanda offered to find Betty a blind date – by advertising for men who are into “plus size Latina ladies.”

But far from staying home comfort eating, Betty walked into the crowded room with her head held high, proudly declaring that she is her “own plus 1.”

That’s how I feel in not just the weddings I have attended this year but in any typical day.

When there is a film that I really want to watch, I’m not going to wait patiently for a friend to be free just to accompany me. If I want sushi then I’ll happily sit in the corner with nothing but my BlackBerry to keep me company. Honestly. In fact it’s these rare moments where I can relax and embrace the quality me time. You think it’s a coincidence that I arrive into Las Vegas two days before Faye and Chris?

The episode ended brilliantly with Betty dancing alone to an up tempo version of Dancing With Myself. You go Betty Suarez!

Shortly after watching this mum randomly asked me if I’ve ever been properly chased by a guy.

That would be no. So Mama suggested that I reduce my “male-headed independent strength.” Translation: be more willing to let a guy do the rescuing.

Sorry Mama but that’s not going to happen. I’m not going to waste time holding out for some kind of hero to take me to places, buy me green cables at the cinema sweet counter or hold my shopping bags for me.

There is no way I’m going to compromise my independent strength by becoming a damsel just to attract a man. No way!

You wouldn’t expect Michelle Obama to suddenly stop voicing her opinions derived from her Ivy League Law education just because she’s the First Lady.

If my stubbornness means many more years of being my own plus 1 to friends’ weddings and their babies’ Christenings then so be it.

That will be me you will see waving her hands in the air like there’s no tomorrow in the middle of the dance floor!