Go On a Lot of Dates!
Full disclosure: I did go on dates during those three years of celibacy.
Like, four times, maybe.
I was incredibly disheartened when they didnt go well or lead to more.
Those bad feelings kept me from trying again, for long periods of time.
Dating Apps Are Good
Oh, you hate dating apps?
Do you know if theyre interested?
Download them all, keep your pics updated, your bio brief, and your conversations to the point.
No co-workers, no exes of best friends, nor anyone else it might cause trouble with.
Just people I thought were cute and interesting.
Some said no, which helped me learn how to keep treating people normally after rejection.
But some said yes, and we had pretty lovely dates.
Though it didnt lead to a relationship, these dates didnt cripple our friendships, either.
That feels a lot more manageable.
Most bars have card minimums, and you may not want to stay for drink number two.
It will also undercut any awkwardness about who pays for what.
Lean into the discomfort of making conversation with a stranger and do it hyped up on caffeine.
Getting to know someone while sober is good, because you will remember it.
And if someone makes you laugh when yourenotdrunk, thats a very promising sign.
Plus, coffee is much cheaper than alcohol.
I wanted to look hot when I started dating again, obviously.
But my sexy wardrobe was outdated.
He got upset, saying it was weird to shake hands, so I gave him a hug.
On my way home, I felt gross.
It was just a hug!
Not a big deal!
But I didnt want to hug him, and I didnt have to.
Theres usually no reason to be rude to your dates, but definitely dont be rude to yourself!
Respect your time and your person; if someone is making you uncomfortable, leave.
The dream of finding The One is sweet.
Making a real connection with another person is sweeter.
Enjoy the advantage of meeting a person who is trying to impress you, too.
Im myself every dang day and Im not winning any awards.
But I understand what she meant now.
Being myself doesnt necessarily make people like me, but it makes me like me.
you could read more about Aimees dating resolution on her blog,2 Dates A Week.
