Being a single girl in a world of happily married friends is hard sometimes, but going out on dates with (almost) perfect strangers is even harder. Now I know why people spend their 20s navigating the dating scene, because back then I could have taken it - but now it is like going bathing suit shopping - no one wants to do it, but you can't be without so you suck it up and go. I haven't had horrible experiences with dating either, but it is hard to constantly put yourself out there only to find out that the person who seemed so normal is actually quite strange - and now they have my email/phone number...
A friend of mine once steered me away from a clearance rack at a clothing store because, as she so adeptly put it, it is just the best of what no one else wanted. That is what it is like dating in your 30s - and don't get all sympathetic and overreact - that is just the way it is. Well, except me because I have actually been in the glass display case because no one can afford me :)
But while I was heading off on a date this weekend, I got a motivational text saying that I look great and to just go in and be myself. And then it struck me...I am absolutely starting to look great (I often joke that I am not 'hot' yet, but lukewarm and heating up), but if you didn't know my former fluffy self you wouldn't know (or likely care) where I have come from over the past year. Now I am not saying people are superficial, but dating isn't like a job interview where you can strut your stuff and brag about how even your weaknesses are strengths - you only get that one coffee/lunch to make that first impression. Later when you get to know someone on a more personal level, that is when the story of my fitness and healthy lifestyle ups and downs would be more interesting.
So we were joking around last night and I have decided that I am going to get a before and after button made up so that it will subtly be there. That way everyone will know that they are privileged enough to be seen with the new and improved Chris Patrick. Joking of course (and no there won't be a t-shirt either). I guess it was just a reminder that I don't know everyone's back story, and to have a more open mind about these first dates.
My trips to the gym and crazy workouts with The Enforcer are only going to continue to add to my confidence and willingness to go on these first dates - so that hopefully I won't have to go on them forever. He is out there....just have to keep looking for him.
1 comment:
Glad your confidence is up, lady. No matter whether you're "fluffy" or not, you're amazing and boys should be happy to be in the presence of a smart and much-loved Lady.
Note that I capitalized Lady because that's the title you'll get in my court when I'm Queen of the World--can't have my Duchesses looking that much better than me, after all.
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