Edel Coffey: I ended an engagement in my 30s, people's response surprised me

"You only have to look at the ‘Poor Jen’ narrative that has dogged the successful, wealthy, beautiful actress Jenifer Aniston to acknowledge that we haven’t yet managed to normalise the lives of single women."

Author Edel Coffey explores the enduring appeal of marriage in her latest novel. Picture: Ray Ryan

When I ended a long-term engagement in my 30s, people’s response to the break-up really surprised me. There was concern. 

What would become of me? Was I throwing away my ‘last chance’? Wasn’t I worried I would end up alone?