Sunday marked the 3-year anniversary of the day I filed for divorce. In those 3 years I have grown tremendously; I completed a master’s degree and began a career in my chosen field, all while single handedly caring for two young children. I have no family in this area and very little support. When I need a break I have to hire a babysitter, which is an extravagance that I can’t afford very often.
As a result of this, my dating life has been non-existent. For most of the past 3 years dating has been the last thing on my mind. I’ve been busy and tired. Far too many other things were going on for me to even think about dating or the fact that I was lonely. Now that the pace of my life has slowed down a bit, I have realized that having someone to share things with would be nice. I miss being in a relationship, and I’d like to be in one again.
I got married when I was 22. I met my ex when I was in college. I have never dated as an adult. I don’t know the first thing about dating or about dating as a single mom.
While looking for ways to to do things for myself I noticed that my town’s adult education program was offering a course on dating. This seemed like just the thing I needed to push me into the world of dating. I have to admit that I have dabbled with online dating, but have had less than stellar results for a multitude of reasons (most of which are my own fault). So I went to this class for two nights and learned quite a bit. I learned of the many singles events that are offered in my area, how to write a dating profile and many little tricks that will come in handy.
I entered the class with a silent commentary running through my head I’m 30-years-old, divorced, a single mom of two young children, no man is going to want to date me. When I had finished the class that commentary had been replaced with I’m 30-years old, I’m beautiful, and intelligent, an excellent mother. Who wouldn’t want to date me?
Most importantly, I realized that the key to dating is as simple as being confident in yourself.
I still haven’t had my first date, but I’m working on it.
