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Does “I’m available” mean “I’m single” (not married or not had a girlfriend or a boyfriend yet) when someone asks about your relationship status?

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It could do. Or it might just mean you're ready to start a new job, or lots of other things. Most likely for OP's context it means I am looking for a sexual partner/significant other. – FumbleFingers Oct 19 '11 at 6:13
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One can be both available and in a relationship - the two obvious cases are open relationships and infidelity. – Optimal Cynic Oct 19 '11 at 8:38
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The thing is, it really doesn't have very much meaning out-of-context. – Karl Knechtel Oct 19 '11 at 11:59

2 Answers

up vote 12 down vote accepted

It can mean "I'm single" or "I'm not in a relationship."

It can also mean "I don't have any plans" - when used in conjunction with a date or time, or that you can be contacted at that point in time.

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Although it sometimes ends up meaning I'm in a relationship, but I'll still sleep with you. – onomatomaniak Oct 19 '11 at 7:56
up vote 2 down vote

If you're discussing relationships, "I am availible" means "I am open to dating people at this time". It most likely means single, but it could mean in an open relationship or polyamerous. "I'm availible" in that context is a way of saying "I can date you".

However, as Darwy said, it can also mean "I don't have plans", so be absolutely sure they're talking about relationships before applying that meaning if you want to avoid sitcom-esque drama.

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