The Single Life

I spent the last decade or so of my life in a college town, which if you’ve never lived in one before is different from living in a town without a college as the epicenter of it’s existence.  The town was beautiful and the people were nice but I did have one major dilemma with the dating pool.

Most of the eligible bachelors were between the ages of 18-early to mid twenties so unless I wanted to go the whole cougar route I struggled to meet guys my age so it’s refreshing to be in an area with single people over the age of 25.

I’m worried I offended one of my younger friends when I mentioned my excitement at meeting a friend just a few years younger and spending time with my best friend who is my age.  I love my younger friends.  I say they help keep me young and translate all the new slang for me XD but I know I’ve changed so much in the time between 25 to 35.  I know they will too, even though you’re technically an adult at 25 you still have some growing up to do.  There’s so much life experience in that age range but you don’t realize just how much until you’ve lived it.

Life is different in your 30’s and that includes dating.    

A few things stay the same but there’s quite a few differences.

What I looked for in a guy when I was in my 20’s

• Good Looking
• Likes to Party
• Has a job and a car

That was pretty much it, and honestly the job and car were negotiable as long as he could afford to go out partying.  Did I mention good looking?  Back then it was all about having fun, partying, and pretending like you were invincible while ignoring all serious thoughts of the future.

What I’m looking for in my 30’s

• Kind and polite
• Good sense of humor
• Has a job
• Has short and long term goals
• Open to new experiences

The “in my 30’s” list could go on and on but those are the major ones.  It’s not all about the looks anymore.  If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that attraction will grow when you have a genuine connection with someone.  I try to remind my younger friends of this but when you’re younger it’s easier to get hung up on looks and other people’s perceptions.

Basically, I realized I’m finally really ready to try dating.  I’ve said it before but I mean it this time.  I think another Friday night on the couch watching movies on my own made me long for some companionship, other than Jame the cat, who although fluffy, adorable, and great at cuddling (except for the claw massages) is really a terrible conversationalist.

It’s scary because it’s been a really, really, really, really, really, really long time and also just because it’s scary to put yourself out there in a position to meet new people.  People who could be terrible, amazing, or meh.  It’s weird but it just feels like the right time.  I’m at a better place with my career.  I’m more confident with myself.  I feel like I’m ready to see if I can find someone I enjoy spending time with plus whether they’re good or bad dates make for great blog posts.  Wish me luck! 😉