"Why aren't you married?" - A conversation with a 4 yr old

Alright, so this post isn't about going out solo - it's about BEING solo. And a child's perspective of that.

Last night I had the rare priviledge of visiting with my 4 1/2 yr old niece, and putting her to bed. Before we went up to brush teeth, etc., she asked, "Where's Mark?". Mark is my former boyfriend, whom we haven't seen now for a year and a half. She's finally started to realize that he's not around anymore. Her memory boggles me. She was only three when he and I parted ways, but for her entire life, he had been around. He met her before she could talk or walk, and was always at every family gathering.

After reading her a bedtime story, the topic came up again. "Itilacs = 4 yr old."

"Where's Mark? I miss him"
I don't know sweety, I haven't seen him for a while
"Why not?"
Well, he's busy with his life and work...."
"Why don't you see him anymore?"
I don't know...these things happen.
"How come you don't see him? He LIVES with you!!!"
No he doesn't.
"Yes he does!"
No he never did, you just saw us together.
"Why doesn't he live with you?"
Because we weren't married.
"Why didn't he marry you?"
Well...we didn't....I don't know. We were boyfriend and girlfriend. We didn't get married.
"Who did you marry?"
Nobody, sweety, I'm not married.
(and here it get's a little confusing, as she kept running around in circles with her questions)
"Are you going to get married?"
Maybe someday.
"You need to marry Mark. I miss Mark"
Maybe YOU should marry Mark!!!!
"NO, YOU!!"
No, you! when you grow up and he is an old man.
"No, YOU marry Mark! (giggle)"
I don't think that's going to happen. Someday I will have a new guy friend that you might meet.
"Is he your new boyfriend?"
Not yet.
"Why not?"
Well, because we're still getting to know each other.
"What's his name?"
Lionel (name made up to protect the innocent)
"YOU'RE going to marry Lionel!"
Enough of this silly goober talk. Go to bed!
(There was a lot more...this is the condensed version.)

Summary? I can't wait until she tells her parents that Aunty Kiga is going to marry her new boyfriend "Lionel". And that she is going to marry Mark when she grows up and he is an old man.