I’m still single at the beginning of another new year. It’s nothing new. Honestly, I’m okay with that. But why am I still single?
Am I too picky? Is there something wrong with me? Is it the way I look? Something else wrong with me? To any of these questions, I don’t think so.
I mean, people ask me questions like, “Why aren’t you dating?” or “Are men blind?” I don’t honestly know because I can’t answer those.
Dating is hard
Let me just say that dating in my later years isn’t at all like it was when I was right after I divorced fifteen years ago. And both are worse than when I dated in my 20s.
Right after I divorced, the kids were younger, and it was hard juggling my life. I could get involved with their activities and meet others, though. Of course, now I have the extra time because my only child still at home is self-sufficient. But no way to get out and meet others.
Dating websites aren’t worth it
Over the years, I’ve tried different dating websites — eHarmony, Match, Single Parent Meet, Plenty of Fish, and probably more that I can’t think of. Most of the time these sites have a monthly membership, and some of those can be expensive. I won’t pay those fees and get no results.
These websites aren’t exactly the greatest. I somehow attract older men that I have no desire to date. Older as in my dad’s age. No, thanks.
Then I get men who are younger than me and apparently think I have money. Nope, sorry, fellows, I only wish I did, but I’m working on changing that.
Then I get men who start a conversation with a “Hello” or “How are you?” If they’re trying to engage me in a conversation and attract my attention, they have to say something more than that.
When I get brave enough to email a guy, he usually doesn’t respond. I’ve been rejected enough applying for writing gigs. I don’t need that rejection, too.
Those dating websites are a joke in my opinion. I know people do succeed in finding their perfect mate, but in my experience, they are a waste of my time and money. I have more important things to spend my money on.
Still single isn’t so bad
So, in today’s world, how in the heck do you meet people without going to a bar or nightclub? I really wasn’t into those scenes when I was younger much less now that I’m older. It’s not my thing.
I don’t get out much like I used to when the kids were younger and had activities. I try to go to things my nephew and nieces are doing so I get out more, but that isn’t cutting it either.
Last fall I helped with the high school marching band. That helped me meet new people and got me out of the house for a few months.
This year I hope to find more things to do. I’m not sure exactly what yet, but I know I’ll join a local writing group. I’ll continue going to Starbucks to get out of the house, too. I’m sure I’ll think of ideas.