Who's Picking Me Up from the Airport?: And Other Questions Single Girls Ask

by Cindy Johnson

What lifts a single girl’s spirit most—aside from finding a man, of course—is meeting other girls in her same boat. Who’s Picking Me Up From the Airport? opens with Cindy Johnson’s story and she will quickly become your  newfound single companion. Her refreshing and comical commentary on adult Christian dating provides readers the much needed opportunity to laugh and celebrate single life for what it joyful and complicated.

Beneath the candor and self-deprecation, Who’s Picking Me Up From the Airport? is built on the question, “Does Jesus actually care about dating and singleness? And if so, how does he enter into it?” Have you ever found yourself wary of voicing your concerns for fear of appearing desperate or lacking in faith. Cindy’s choice to put it all out there creates a powerful and much needed safe place for vulnerability and honesty around singleness.

This book addresses head on the difficult reality experienced by singles in the Church. Cindy will push you to seek Jesus first, even when you don’t get the things you want. Each chapter begins with a short letter written by single Christian women to other women from all walks of life. You will be reminded that you are not alone. In authentic pages filled with humor and truth, you will  find in Who’s Picking Me Up from the Airport? what you need most—a friend.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2015

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I definitely went in with the wrong expectations.
See, with a title like Who's Picking Me Up from the Airport?: And Other Questions Single Girls Ask, I expected a series of essays both mocking and celebrating the many challenges single women face in today's society. Because, yes, sometimes it does feel like an impossible imposition to ask someone to take you to the airport at 6 am for the third time in two months when the airport is too far for an Uber. And if you can't laugh about it...
But that was not this book.
No, this book is a late-20-something (maybe 30-year-old) who thought she'd be married at this point in her life but isn't so she wrote a book complaining about it. And to round it out, she invited some of her early 30-something friends who also thought they'd be married to write letters expressing how they thought they'd be married but are not. The letters weren't (all) bad and maybe provided...some...balance? (Almost all begin with some variation of "Dear sister" which tells you a lot about the tone. I kept expecting someone to quote Jesus Calling.)
This is super personal, borderline memoir, mostly rant about singleness that is not particularly self-reflective.
It is funny because every time I started describing this book to my single female friends, they all went: "Oh, we know her type."
I'm being majorly judgy here but stick with me for a moment:
You know those girls at Christian colleges that are there for an MRS degree? But somehow, they didn't latch down a man freshman year and now they're single and don't. know. what. to. do. about. it? Suddenly their singleness is their whole identity. Conversation with them always turns to the lack of available men. Always. (I attended college with a girl who went to three separate schools to find a man. Eventually she realized she was older than most of them and graduated.)
But honestly, most of them are just following what they were taught in the church. Purity culture's prosperity gospel is seriously enticing. Be a good person, only date Christians, and don't have sex, then wallah! Guaranteed marriage blessed by God.
And if you don't get your expected happily ever after? Especially after you've been praying for your future spouse since middle school? That's hard. I have lots of friends whom I love and value in just that position.
For many caught in the purity culture movement during their teens, prolonged singleness has forced them to reexamine their foundations and even if they come to the same conclusions, they've grown from the journey.
I'm sure this author has grown from her journey in singleness too. I also just feel like she is still too young to write a book like this. And I ought to be exactly the target audience! I'm single, Christian, and 28. It doesn't get more on-target.
But I think I just had other expectations from this book and, unfortunately, I was more often left cringing than encouraged.

Some quotes I highlighted as illustrations of this book's content:
"The vibe you and I put out when we believe the man standing in front of us would be lucky to spend time with us actually makes a difference."

"At no point [in middle school] did anyone bother to pull me aside and remind me that guys like girls who look like girls."

"And while there are plenty of places for a gal to cry over a boyfriend breakup, you can't show that you are upset when a friend gets married. Rather than being excused by society to sulk in your room with wine and Netflix, it's time to buy a gift, host a shower, write a speech, and have a front row seat to a show titled "My Best Friend Has Found Love. I'm Probably Going to Die Alone. But Hey, at Leas I Got a Bridesmaid's Dress."

My final thoughts: this isn't an angry one star. The book really wasn't what I expected and, unfortunately, I just did not like it. The chapter on sex was handled better than I expected with more grace than I expected but wasn't worth reading the book for. And while I think it ends on a positive note, I also would like to know what this author thinks of her book if she's still single in a decade.

[Julie Grace Immink · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to escape her control, and take off on my motorcycle.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Not super deep, but it was humorous and just a light read. I really enjoyed it! The letters at the beginning of each chapter were nice, too.

[Becca Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting, encouraging and honest. I can see myself reading this book over and over again.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★ I’m not quite the target audience for this book, but I’m not too far removed from it, and I still found some points that I could relate to and which were pertinent for me.

At the beginning of each of the chapters was an open letter written by one of the author’s single female friends and I enjoyed reading these as the various aspects of their different situations spoke to me.

There were some great quotes, but I didn’t write them down at the time, and I forgot that I was going to go back to pick some out when I took the book back to the library yesterday!

And because I didn’t make any notes as I went, and I finished it almost a week ago, and didn’t write a review at the time, I’m finding it difficult to remember much about it other than some trivial snippets - like that I was chuckling at one point at the sort of guys the author had dated.

It was an engaging read, and recommended to any other single women - whether waiting patiently (or impatiently) for the right man to come along, or happily single and not looking for a partner. Although it is perhaps more geared toward those who are actively looking for someone.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an unlikely audience member for this book and for this reason, I read it with great relish. What I hadn't anticipated is how much I would enjoy it and, moreover, how much I would have needed it!

This book is effectively an encouragement for Christian women who are single and age 30+. These women are single not due to widowhood or separation/divorce but because they are still seeking a life's partner. Still seeking--that's the error in the perception as the book readily points out. Author Cindy Johnson lays bare what a raw deal single women, especially those in the Church, are given. Ever being postured as not quite whole, their lives not fully realized because they are not yet paired off with someone--we have done a terrible job of ministering to singles and focusing for way too long on their relationship status. The chapter that spoke most into my heart was "Call It What It Is: Why Being Single is Lame" where Johnson offers a "what not to say" to one's single friends. I have been the offender in almost every one of the points offered. Points. Well. Taken!

The book is not long--150 pages and it is organized in a brilliant way that reads easily, like a memoir. Johnson pairs her own anecdotes as well as letters from her single friends, both male and female, who share their stories in dating and seasons of singledom. Johnson discusses so many beautiful aspects of the single life and how rich it is, but she also shares her journey through relationships that she had expected to turn out otherwise. Her voice is delightful, not just in contrast to the voice one might expect from a non-fiction book on dating and the single life. Johnson's tone is consistently sincere and funny and she pulls no punches. This book is a gift and I believe that it would be a great gift for a friend, an addition to a pastor's bookshelf, and would be a great women's book club pick.

Johnson and I have gotten acquainted through our mutual literary agent, I received a copy of this book in advance for a review. I cannot wait to share it with everyone.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I read a girly book. Hey, it was really good though.

[Casey | Essentially Novel · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴. ... 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘢𝘮. 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯.”

At 27 I have never been on a date. Never been asked. In high school that bothered me but during college and postgrad years it hasn’t. Honestly, I am more than content in my singleness (maybe even too much).

So I picked this one up out of idle curiosity. Cindy is a handful of years older than I, has had some boyfriends, but hasn’t gotten married (at the time of writing this book). She too grew up in a church and went to Christian college (having to endure hearing the annoying but oddly popular and pressuring phrase “ring by spring,” which many do end up engaged by graduation), therefore I identified with her a lot. Each chapter opens with a friend of hers writing a letter regarding singleness, waiting, dating, and marriage. She even has some male friends share their hearts about being single in their late-20s/early 30s. She talks about the things we as “older” single individuals face when dealing with the influx of engagements, weddings, and baby showers of friends, being called upon as sitters so they can go out, the strange reality of having very few to call upon for favors, like needing a ride home from the airport or who to call when you get a flat or when having issues with maintenance. I get it. I get the anticipation of being asked constantly “Are you seeing anyone? Why hasn’t someone snatched you up yet? How come you’re still single?” I get the dynamic of being single and almost all your friends married, most of them having kids too.

I appreciated the honesty and transparency. There isn’t much out there in terms of nonfiction aimed at our demographic, but I don’t know, some areas fell a little flat for me. It wasn’t quite what I expected and for being labeled “Christian nonfiction” there wasn’t much talked about in regards to our faith until the last chapter.

[Rachel Shallenberger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know, I just felt a little alienated this whole book... like, I've been single my whole life, only been on a few dates, and there are multiple reasons for this. But the entire book reads like it knows you, but actually only knows the author and her friends and makes assumptions about everyone else. I have trouble with opening up to guys because of my family history, and that's not something that applies to her at all, but history applies to a lot of us. She also lists out at one point all these things wrong with the guys she's met, and some of them actually applied to me, like only listening to Christian music (I have reasons!). It just made me feel like a reject even worse, which is not the point! And at the end she's like, I've done so many cool things in my singleness, like traveled to other countries or introduced snow to inner-city youths or written a book, and I haven't done any of those things, so then what? What happens when your story looks nothing like the author's, except for that you're both followers of Jesus and unmarried? It felt like I was back in high school, me as the flute player versus Cindy as the preppy Christian girl. Yuck. Not completely awful, I appreciate some things (one of the letters from her friends that she included in the book, I wish THAT person would write a book!), but overall just made me feel bleh about my life. So thanks for that haha! Lol

[Megan Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book didn’t offer any ground-breaking answers to my woes as a long-time single girly, I really resonated with the author’s story and the stories of the women who wrote letters for this book. It made me feel not so alone as an out-of-college Christian woman who struggles with singleness. I also really appreciated how honest and real the author was. For example, she discussed common phrases in Christian circles like “Jesus is the only man you need” and how, while these may be true, they don’t make us feel better when we hear them. OF COURSE I believe and know Jesus is the only true source of comfort, but knowing that doesn’t necessarily stop the longing I have for a physical and intimate companion, ya know? So yeah, I really liked how she addressed and validated those feelings, while also providing biblical examples of assurance and honesty.

[Madison Koegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. I have never felt so validated, seen, and encouraged. I appreciate how simple of a read it was. She wasted no time getting to the point of “Hey, this sucks, but you’re not alone.”

She didn’t sugar coat anything. It wasn’t so much a ‘self-help’ book as I expected but more of just validating that what I feel is normal and even OKAY!

I can’t tell you how often I hear “God is still working on you two” or “once you’re content with Jesus THEN he’ll send you your husband.” What a load of CRAP. I know the people who say them mean well but it only makes me feel guilty for being discontent and not enjoying my ‘season of singleness.’

I would highly recommend if you’re just looking for a quick pick-me-up. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

[Tiare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book at page 94 when she had a Christian worship pastor write a letter to all the single ladies and in it he wrote for them not to be a "low hanging fruit". I lived a religion for the majority of my life that taught that same concept. Nope. Not having the shaming. This book is going in the garbage now. I was doing pretty good with all the Christian references until then.

Clever title though, I bought it because I was traveling and am single, and needed another book to read. These days you can just get yourself an Uber though. Ok. That's your answer to the question.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful fun and speaks well to single Christian women, specifically those who are out bad about in the world--working, traveling, meeting people, going on dates, flirting (unsuccessfully). Cindy talks about both the joys and the struggles of being a single Christian woman as twenties stretch into thirties and none of us were expecting this, but we're still going to have fun.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many times in this book where the author told stories that I could relate to, but I did not agree with everything in this book. The last chapter made it four stars for me; I found that section incredibly relatable and powerful. If nothing else, read that chapter.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very honest and heartfelt book. Encouraging read. Although being married doesn't solve problems or mean you won't get your heartbroken, Cindy provides empathy for those who are single.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I saw that one reviewer said it wasn't deep. If by that you mean there weren't a lot of references/it wasn't scholarly, that's true. But it was so much more. It helped explain so much, even things I didn't know about myself. It had cut and dry answers on dating and friendships that need to be reinforced for every girl when she's feeling a little wishy-washy. My personal favorites were 1) the Inappropriate Friendships. Thank goodness someone has finally found a name for them. No one wants to call it like it is because friendship can't be wrong, right? If he doesn't ask you out soon, he's not going to, ladies. He's just using you, draining you, putting your life on hold. No matter how good of a guy he seems.
I also loved 2) the Motorcycle Test. It's so important to be able to respect our future partner.
I thought the book was quite deep, and it covered a broad range of girls and situations they find themselves in. I honestly think it's a must-read for any girl starting college, even though the target audience is a little older. Chances are, if you've made it to the target audience age without settling, you already know this stuff. It's just really good to have it reinforced. It has so much good advice about self-worth, what to expect from a man, and where our ultimate focus should be.
She is hilarious, not PC at all, and totally refreshing. We get so afraid we're going to offend someone that we don't do what we need for ourselves, don't set boundaries. That said, she was also deeply compassionate. Moms, make your daughters read this!

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Johnson is a woman who gets it. She is past the age of 26, still single, and has attended numerous bridal showers, weddings, and baby showers in the last year alone. So, when people start asking her how to be happy for their friends instead of jealous, she speaks with a wealth of knowledge. The very first thing that struck me about Johnson's work is that she is humble. She admits to not having all the answers, she doesn't claim her book will be a magical "cure-all", and she openly and freely talks about her past dating mistakes and what she has learned from them. The second thing I appreciate about Johnson is that she is honest - she knows both how being single truly does suck, but also how it has the potential to be a great adventure. The third thing I appreciate about Johnson is that she is very non-judgmental. Even though she is what appears to be a rather conservative Evangelical Christian, she does not in any way judge those who have had premaritial sex or those who have pushed the envelop too far on other issues. Johnson's book is lighthearted, humourous, and refreshing to read. I've read a lot of books on singleness, so I don't know if I got anything different than other books, but it definitely feels helpful to have a supportive companion along on the journey. Johnson did teach me one really important thing, though: whenever we feel jealous, we need to take a step back. Chances are, it's not really jealously that we're facing but loss. I think that tidbit alone was worth the price of this book.

[Christina Erickson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been avoiding this book for years because I didn’t want it to make me feel sad or lame. Wanting to read really in-depth theological books about healthy relationship dynamics, leaving this on the shelf made me feel guilty. I couldn’t skip over the ONE book I had about singleness. That seemed like cheating. So I read it, in a rush, to be done with it before Valentine’s Day.

You know, it wasn’t so bad. It’s extremely real, relatable, filled with humor and not pious in any religious take on singleness. It’s no Tim Keller, but it’s truthful. To counter any other reviewers, it never felt like complaining.

It wasn’t incredibly encouraging, but only because it was just like, “Yup, we’re in the same boat. Cool.” Good men ARE actually hard to find and nothing in this crazy life of first dates is guaranteed. This book was written in 2015 and nothing has changed? So that actually was maybe slightly discouraging, but what can you do?

It didn’t give any new depth to what I’m struggling with in my pursuit of a partner; it just reminded me of what I know and the perspectives I value at this stage of life. Not as depressing as I thought, but probably won’t read again.

It was just basic?

The “letters” were a little Christian cringey but I appreciated everyone’s stories.

Hope everyone has a good Valentine’s Day..

[Rianna *Hermione* B · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 of my BFF's recommended this to me. I bought it on Amazon, but hadn't gotten around to reading it for at least 6 months. after that, I pulled it out to where I could see it almost daily. Still, I was reading too many other books at the time. Finally like 3 months after that, 3 nights ago, I just started reading a little while I was up paying bills/online errands. I ended up reading for an hour. I was already passed my recommended bedtime. Then I had to get ready for bed. Anyway, I basically devoured this book. It is so relatable and funny, and it also gets deep, and I got a bit emotional at the end. It really does make you feel like you're not alone in feelings, desperate, annoyed, and frustrated at life. There are letters I each chapter that are from others just like you. I also super appreciated the letters from the guys. It is a great short, relatable, perfect book because it is so real. It feels like just someone writing a blog. It's personal. It's not a self -help book. It's a "No, You're Not the Only One Who Has this Issue book." Go out and live your life. Don't just wait for a spouse. Enjoy your freedom! I recommend this to every one walking with Jesus, 25+ and single.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s amazing how life can change your perspective - especially on books. I read this book three years ago and thought it was the bees knees. But here I am, a few years older and still single, so this book should technically apply even more to me, and I find myself disagreeing with a lot more of it. While it can be beneficial to vent every now and then, sometimes I just want to tell all the single girls “Life ain’t that bad” or, conversely, married, young, old - we all suffer and feel like we’re misunderstood, older singles don’t have the monopoly on that. But there is still encouragement to be found here, especially if you are starting to feel like the ship has sailed on your romantic life or you’re that one weird anomaly in the Christian church - a single woman over the age of 25. But as Cindy puts it, “God’s priority seems to be having a loving relationship with him and other people. You and I have the opportunity to be about so much more than our own lives. We get to partner in bringing peace, love, and hope to a world in need....We get to know Jesus. That’s God’s priority for our lives. Single or married.” Keep God first, everything else is just a bonus.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former Christian I thought that it may not be a right fit... but I found this to be an enjoyable read. I may not be the target audience necessarily, but I've been "sorta" single for quite a while, still spiritual, and know the bible. It was just a nice reminder to enjoy the ride and don't settle.

[Emmarie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it promises to be. Written in 2012 by a 26 year old single woman, it is a cute, funny and honest look at what it feels like to be single in your mid to late twenties. It felt like getting coffee and sharing the honest fears and concerns of a shared life stage with a Christian perspective.

[Shirleyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of truth and humor. I especially liked how the author emphasized the good points of single life. God may have a plan for marriage but it may be one of many great plans he has for us. A great read!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this really encouraging for my season of life right now. The author was funny and her story telling kept me engaged. It’s been awhile since I’ve practically devoured a book, but I would definitely recommend if you need encouragement.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! What an encouraging, fun book! There were a few things I was kind of iffy about, but overall really great!

[Ren P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and refreshing!

This book is an honest look at a difficult subject: unwanted singleness. I learned even more how to be grateful and thankful-regardless of what happens.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Ioved this book! It was so easy to read. Cindy is HILARIOUS and understands the struggles of singleness well. I really enjoyed reading this.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad I guess. ... not my favorite 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Rachel Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Flew through it! Good for single women to read!!!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was looking for a “self-help” book about being single and this was an ok read. I spoke to me about a lot of stuff I could relate to, but not all.