Being single isn’t always a death sentence. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and that’s truly where I am right now. Getting here wasn’t an easy road, but it’s been worth it in the end. In fact, I’ve gotten so good at being single, I’m starting to annoy myself — here’s why:
- I don’t need to date. In my early solo days, going on horrible dates seemed like a much better idea than staying home alone watching way too much TV. I thought that I was doing something wrong if I wasn’t going on a first date every week. Now, I don’t need to date — and I feel fine if I take breaks.
- I’m okay with having no dates. It’s no secret that wanting to date doesn’t always mean those dates actually happen. When I get canceled on or dates don’t materialize at all from online conversations, I’m okay with it. I get that it’s all part of the process and that it doesn’t mean anything.
- I don’t have expectations. I don’t even get excited for dates anymore because I know that in the past, I would walk into a bar thinking my future boyfriend was waiting at a table, and that never happened. It’s not that I don’t have hope or don’t want to fall in love because I do on both those counts. But the fact that I have zero expectations can be kind of annoying since it makes it hard to stay positive.
- I find it hard to care. When guys behave badly — which they’re going to do, of course — I don’t get as worked up as I used to. It just seems like this is going to happen and there’s no sense in getting upset. That can be annoying because it’s okay to get mad and feel less than happy. That’s just human, and sometimes I feel like a robot thanks to dating.
- I have my strategies. I’ve tried all kinds of dating methods and what truly works for me is using my apps a few times a week… and then forgetting all about it the rest of the time. Throw in a few breaks every once in a while and you have my dating strategy. I’m super annoying because, after all, dating shouldn’t be so cookie cutter or perfectly set up — but thanks to modern dating, this is the only way that seems to work.
- I’ve seen it all. Every annoying thing that could happen has happened to me. From ghosting to falling for someone who has zero interest in committing, I’ve seen it all and that annoys me. Why? Because with all my experience and lessons learned, I’ve got nothing but my same old single life to show for it.
- I’m happier than ever before. I even think I’m happier than when I’ve been in a serious relationship or dated someone for a while. That’s kind of scary… and pretty irritating too. I don’t want to believe that being on my own is better than being in love because I want to share my life and future with someone.
- I know what I want. I know exactly the kind of guy I’m waiting for (and he’s basically the reason I’m still solo). That’s not as great as it might seem because it kind of takes the whole surprise factor out of the equation. I’m not interested in being shocked by who I fall for or letting fate play a role because I know I won’t be happy unless I’m with someone who cares about the things that I do.
- I’m too wise for my own good. Sometimes I wish I could be more carefree about my approach to dating. I would have more fun and stop leaving situations so quickly. I know what warning signs to look for but while that’s a good thing, it’s also pretty annoying.
- Giving up doesn’t scare me. I used to think I would never give up on finding love because that seemed super lame and pathetic. Now things have changed and the idea of stopping this crazy game altogether doesn’t seem so horrible. After all, I’ve worked hard to create an amazing life for myself and I’m living with it. All the bad dates and disappointments in the world can’t take that away from me. I just hope I don’t get to that point and actually meet a decent person sometime soon. Universe, are you listening?!
