Dating Diaries 24: Halfway There! Stay the Course!

I started this whole dating thing three months ago. The goal is to go through six months of very intentionally casual (is that an oxymoron??), non-exclusive, fun dating . . . so I’m halfway there!

I’ll admit there were a few tears earlier this week (which I haven’t had in a while). I've met a lot of really cool guys, but I went on two dates over the weekend that really ended up being more disappointing than hopeful. I was getting a little weary and let myself get discouraged (and the gray skies from fire season probably didn’t help!). 


But after an evening text sesh with a couple friends, I was encouraged and inspired to keep going. I can do it!! Really, it’s only been three months!! That’s not very long at all. 


I laughed while writing, “I’m going to tell my future husband how hard I worked for him, haha!” 


And it HAS been hard. It HAS been a lot of work. 


I have consistently and diligently spent time on dating apps, messaging, texting, phone calls, Zooming, and going out. I’ve tried to soak in everything that I can possibly learn. And challenge myself to grow and change. 


I remember one week that I looked at profiles just to exclusively scroll down to see what guys were looking for in girls . . .  just to get a feel. I proudly presented my unofficial data analysis to my friends . . .  the top five things guys were looking for in a girl (I’ll write that in another blog!). 


The goal is to be available and approachable enough to be asked out five times in a week (whether I go or not). For me, this can be a phone, video, or in-person date. ANNNND . . . I’m averaging about three a week. And reached four this week! So, I feel that I’m on target . . . especially for it being Covid!


And, as I said to a friend at lunch the other day, “Even if I never get married in my life, I’m learning so many things about life, myself, guys, human nature, and social interactions with different kinds of people, that these lessons are ALL worth the work and emotional energy.” And I truly believe that. 


And if I do run into a few tears along the way, I’m going to keep going. Be encouraged. Be hopeful. And be excited . . . that I am learning and growing, and the outcome will definitely be worth the effort!! 


I’ve got this!!!

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