I'm Pathetic . . . By Gentile Standards

There was an assumed understanding between myself and my non-Jewish or irreligious associates: obviously, observant Jews are insane to get married while still in their 20s. 

However, I am noticing a shift in mentality. 

"How can you tell if a Jewish guy is married?"

"Um, well, some wear a ring, but many don't, so you can't tell."

"Oh. I saw a guy on the train who looked nice and I thought of him for you." 

And: 

"Why don't you go to this . . . synagogue, it's called? Meet a nice boy?"

Or: 

"I'm interviewing one of your people today. Should I ask if he's single?" 

Then: 

"I work by this family and they have a very nice boy." (Translated from Czech; she's my sister's cleaning woman). 

Followed by: 

"My boyfriend isn't religious" (she's a magnificent Irish blonde) "but there's this rabbi-in-training friend of his that's very nice."

I am well aware what my neighbors and relatives think of me ("Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Nebach.") But I expected better from my out-of-the-loop non-Jewish buddies, who would equate marriage with bondage and should be avoided until 39 when the biological clock is ticking.

There's one fantasy shot to hell.