All the Single Ladies...

In a recent conversation with a new friend, I have learned that appalling behavior does not only apply to the men-folk (or boy-folk, as I like to call them), but in fact, we ladies have done just as many disgusting things towards to the opposite sex as they have done unto us.

Having a different perspective on my own gender now, I realize that, gosh, people are weird. We do strange things to one another. We have strange ideas and strange expectations. It's all incredibly strange.

I would love to share my friend's story but it's not my place. I try not to relay information secondhand; it has gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion. It's a new personal policy to keep stuff to myself.

I don't have any particularly funny dating stories this go-round, but I have been thinking much about "dating". Thinking about what it means in this day-and-age. We try to apply high standards to each other but then don't apply them to ourselves. How can we single folk possibly expect to find a good match if we can't even live up to our own standards? It's easy to point the finger at another person and blame them for our problems...when the problems really are within ourselves.

In the past few weeks I have been contemplating a few things. You see, despite my troubles with dating, I genuinely feel ready for a real, grown-up relationship. You know, the type that's based on friendship and common ground, common goals and a similar appreciation for life? Yeah, that's what I'm looking for. I mean, granted, yes, hearts, stars, fireworks-- all that is great! But eventually it fizzles out. And if you don't have that great foundation when all that crap is done, how can you expect anything to last indefinitely?

I read an article in Psychology Today about dating. How we should create a list of all the qualities we want to find in a partner. Then..stick with it! BUT before we go traipsing around with a list of qualifications, we should instead reflect on that list and see how those things must apply to ourselves. For example, I'd like someone who enjoys camping and the outdoors. Well, how can I expect someone to enjoy those activities if I don't partake myself? So, accordingly, I need to get outside more and pitch my tent! It makes sense and in a way, as we embrace our pleasures, there becomes an opportunity meet someone while doing so.

I've made some other observations but as I enter into the "experimental" phase of dating (aka, trying new techniques rather than sticking with the tried and true and FAILED techniques from the past)...I am not ready to share those "things." I need to collect additional information before sharing it with the general population. But I feel optimistic. After all, I am perfectly lovely, as is.

Enjoy the day, my single (and not-single) friends!