“The Dating Game”
I HATE the dating game because that’s really all it is – a game. I took a short break from figure competing toward the end of May and also actively jumped back into the dating scene after a lengthy hiatus. It has been an interesting experience and one that I can say I don’t miss.
First let me explain my dating philosophy – 1. You meet various people and ‘hang out’ with them. 2. You find someone you’re interested in, and you exclusively date that person. 3. You like him/her, he/she likes you and you establish a relationship.
In June, I met a plethora of nice, single men in some of the most random places (I attribute it to the short haircut!) Examples: I met a flight attendant from VA at my gym, I met a guy from Louisville at the airport in Denver, a guy from Cincy at a competition, one online, one person was introduced through a mutual friend -. None of them were men I met in the club. It was great to have multiple dates in one week and meet some wonderful men doing great things with their life. However, at some point emotions get involved and the game gets more intense.
Some of these men developed feelings for me. For some odd reason, one guy thinks I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread. And while I think he’s a nice person, that’s where it stops. I enjoy the conversation but don’t see him as the next “Mr. Yeager”. For the most part I’ve been just enjoying the ride trying to see where all of these situations could lead me. There were a couple of times where I thought I’d move to phase 2 with a gentleman, but I think it was just gas since the thought didn’t stay around too long.
Also, Louisville is such a small place, especially for black young professionals. There is a great chance that the person you date has either dated one of your friends or at least someone you know. If you’re both in the ‘hanging out’ phase, you run the risk of both being out to the same movies or a restaurant (on dates with other people). And timing also plays a major role. If I would have met my “Mr. Right” back in March, I wouldn’t have given him the time of day because I was constantly with my man “gym”. You have to BOTH be in the right place at the right time in order for it to work.
Everyone comes into your life for a reason. I am blessed for each man I have met and have learned a lot about myself in the process. I know that my other half is somewhere out in the world and I feel like he is just around the corner. If you’ve met him, make sure you tell him where to find me. Until then, I will be patient until it is our time to meet.
M.Y. August 2008
