features@ihuxf.UUCP (M.A. Zeszutko) (06/08/84)
The following was included in a submission on the woman/fish/bicycle saying: "Consider that the term spinster is still used for an unmarried woman, while unmarried men are bachelors." The first time I had to have my name involved in a real estate transaction, I was 18. The lawyer termed me "...a spinster...". All of my friends were most amused. The second time, I had changed lawyers. I found a professional woman whose views matched mine. This time, I was termed "...an unmarried person...". I still don't understand why my marital status was so important (except as it may relate to community property), but I was pleased at the change. Personally, I don't find the term spinster degrading. It has connotations of a woman who can take care of herself, without having to rely on anyone else for help. That is how the term evolved...a spinster was a woman who spun wool or flax for thread, making a living out of it, like a webster was a woman weaver, a brewster was one who brewed beverages, etc. Don't know about the rest of you, but even if I should marry, I would still consider myself (historically) a spinster. Mary Ann Zeszutko AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL ihnp4!ihuxf!features