I had a conversation with someone about this earlier. He asked if I was single and I said yes. Then he asked if I had been married in the past and I explained that single meant never married. If I had been married, I would have said I was divorced. He didn't agree and said most people just say they're single.

Do those of you who have been divorced tell others you're single or divorced?

First, I've never been married. So, I've never been divorced.

But I agree with you. Single means: "Never been married". There's a big difference between "never been married" and "divorced".
Personally, I think that if you claim to be single when in fact, you're divorced, you are misleading others.

I've always seen divorced as "single again".

I say "divorced" because it's the truth and was asked "WHY?"...so, maybe it's just better to say "single"

"single"

it's nobodys biz but my own!!!!

...my marriage was so short, shorter than any other relationship ever so I don't 'feel' like I was ever married, yet there was a marriage license for about a year..so I say divorced.

some people can be in a bf/gf relationship for 20 years and have kids but when the relationship is over they are considered single... and others if they get drunk in las vegas and ended doing the drive-thru marraige that lasts for one day are considered divorced for the rest of their lives... that doesn't sound right.

I always say divorced. I'm GLAD to be divorced.

Using the "I was drunk" excuse for doing something stupid is a completely different topic.

Do you just explain later that you're divorced?

The truth is, I've never been put into the situation where I needed to. My profile on here states "divorced", and I don't ever try to hide the fact that I'm divorced. Having said that, I wouldn't think that I was trying to mislead anyone by saying I was single. Single means "not attached" as far as I'm concerned, with no implication on any former marital status. Of course, that's just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth...

My answer doesn’t really make sense – even to me. I have an answer that includes an addendum.

Emily, I agree that a person should delineate between single and divorced; however, in my mind, the title “divorced” has an expiration date. I think a person can again use the word “single” once the divorce is years old and there is no more financial drama or “ex” issues.

If I were previously married, I would use the title “single” again after a certain amount of time has passed – and I would also make sure to explain this to a new love interest when the time is right (and I trust him with personal information).

At least when someone says they are divorced that means that the marriage is legally over, assuming they're telling the truth about being divorced in the first place. I've met several women who say they're single and then after finding out they were married, find out that the divorce isn't anywhere near being final, they're only "separated". That's way too much baggage for someone like me (not just emotional but legal) who is truly single. I also believe that it's incredibly dishonest and brings into question the accuracy of everything that person has said up to that point. All things considered, I'd rather a woman say they are divorced if they have been previously married.

I've also had people tell me that they were single, only to find out they were actually separated. If I'm going to get involved with someone, I'd like to at least know if they were married before. Not that it will change my mind about anything, but I want them to be upfront. So, when I hear someone say they're single, to me that says they were never married. If they are actually divorced, they're already not being upfront about things.

I agree and this is the flaw in my answer!

I also believe separated is not single as well as having an unfinished divorce.

Separated is also not divorced. Separated is still married. Some people seem to miss that distinction.

I think that is a case of lying......not the single/divorced thing. If someone tells you they have never been married....but actually was....thats lies.....but if someone just said I'm single..but they are in fact divorced......well...they are single.

I used to tell people I was divorced, then my Ex re-married, so if I am so inclined, I will tell people I'm single, and let the chips fall as they will once things move on .. ya see? ..

Everyone wants details and will ask anyways. Why is it a problem to elaborate? I just say single and never married.

I believe there is a part of life that divorced people experienced that single people have yet to live. My profile says divorced.