I’ve been with the same woman for going on 21 years, married for going on 16 (will be 21/16 in June) and I didn’t even own a wedding ring until about five years ago.

I also don’t attempt to find a place to insert “my wife” in every conversation I have with women I just meet.

Men, like women, should not have to define themselves with their marital status (why I always use the term Ms. when referring to any woman and no longer say ‘Mrs’).

Men, like women, should not assume the person they’re speaking to is single, married, engaged, or otherwise. We’re people and should not be judged by whether or not we’re available for your fantasies and crushes.

My suggestion for you is to stop looking at men as objects and start treating them like people. Men are accused of this all the time, whether warranted or not, but you clearly prove that women have the same issue but on a different level of objectivity than men.

Men are also not “dumb like that.” It is not an acceptable practice for men to be hounding after women in the office like they once did. That’s a way to lose one’s job in a hurry. Flirt with the wrong female and you’ll find yourself in HR in a hurry.

I get the point of your article but it should be pointed out that the issue you’re having has to do with your ego and that you believe others should cater directly to your needs based on your view.

The next time you want to know if a man is available for courtship — just ask him.