Dating yourself...

After a tiring day with the kiddies, I treated myself to a Applebee's Blondie, but the catch was I went alone. It was sorta late when I made the final decision to head out. I'd spent time getting ready for today, watched SYTYCD and Glee (which surprisingly was pretty good), then decided to head out. Several years ago, that wouldn't have been an option. Going out alone and actually sitting in the restaurant, no haps captain. I would feel odd and out of place, or I would have sat on my phone the entire time talking to anyone who would answer the phone to avoid the looks of the other guest that would take petty on me. Well, this past summer I've learned to date myself. I went to a movie and out to dessert and it wasn't that bad. I was able to reflect on the day, savor my food and simply feel content.

Last night during my warm dessert, which recently has become a favorite! I caught the eye of a few people who were giving me that look, "aww, she's here alone", "I wonder if she's being stood up", etc. So, I began thinking about it... I know that we're in need of relationship and companionship, that's how we've been wired, people need people. But, are we missing out on a facet of life by night dating ourselves? Would male-female relationships be better, if we took the time to develop a sense of contentment? If we developed a better understanding of ourselves? Putting aside the judgmental eyes of society to simply become comfortable in our own skin. Would men & women gain a better sense of self-confidence? Would men & women make better decisions by thinking through things on their own rather than running everything by their "date"?

Some years ago, I would have ordered my dessert to go, which would have resulted in soupy ice cream, rather than sit and think... As I sat in that booth and thought about the day, thought about my responsibilities and even thought about writing this blog, I began to appreciate me. I began to appreciate my life, despite all that has gone on this year, the good and the bad, I can appreciate life. During these times, I'm able to ask the tough questions... am I'm going to go into work tomorrow? What should I wear this weekend? Should I bother going back to school in January or just start looking for a job? Try dating yourself, enjoy where you are... enjoy who you are... experience the life around you without the clutter of "wine & cheese" conversation. Take it all in!