I'm overwhelmed. I feel it. In my bones, skin, blood. Yes, in my being. I put so much into dating. Into getting to know other people. Into being my truest self: vulnerable and honest and raw. And so often that has led to disappointment. Don't get me wrong. I am not berating myself. I am full and complete. But I throw myself and so much energy into the process that it can be overwhelming. I let myself expect consistency from others. I expect it because I crave it. I look the other way when red flags pop up--give people the benefit of the doubt and don't run. I allow myself to be hopeful. Hopeful because now more than ever I know what I want. Hopeful because I believe someone is out there for me. Hopeful.

I don't understand folks who say one thing and then do another. Say they will text, or call you back and then don't. Say they will tell you a story because they can't in the moment and then never do. People who say they want long term. Say they are ready to do the work. Say they are tired of people giving up and not working through stuff. People who say all of this and then show absolutely no effort. I'm tired of people promising good communication and then sorely lacking. I don't get it. How difficult is it to say "I'm busy but I'm still interested". Or "I'm not into it". Or "I wanna be friends"? How hard is honesty? Consistency? Vulnerability?

When I look back at the last year and a half I see how much I 1) put myself out there (go me) and 2) didn't give myself space for me. I was consistently either dating, talking to, or swiping for 18 consecutive months. EIGHTEEN MONTHS?!?! Holy. effin'. Shit. That's crazy. I've said it before that I needed a break. I was ready to put myself out there and I did. I proved to myself that I could do it. But, I need to recenter, come back to me, and remember I am complete without anyone else.

Life is pretty damn great right now. I have a wonderful family. I have supportive friends. I have a fulfilling job. I do things that I enjoy. It's magical and I am happy. Even though a relationship feels good and like and end all be all, it isn't. There is time. I have more growing and healing to do. I have more searching and questioning to do. I have more living to do. So here it is. No more dating in 2021. Time to refresh. And after that, absolutely no more chasing. If they want it, they will show it. If they don't, well, then they won't. And that is that.

Things I have Remembered
  • I'm flipping' awesome.
  • If they think I am too much, then it isn't a good fit.
  • It is okay to compromise, it is not okay to change who you are/your values.
  • It's a two way street. I can't do all of the work. Can't and won't.
  • I deserve someone who responds.
  • No one is perfect. No one.
  • People will show up. People will stay. People, your people, will be there when it matters.
  • What is meant to will come. What is meant to will go. Be kind and let both happen with grace.
  • These things often say more about others than they do about you.
  • You don't need validation. You don't have to explain yourself. You don't need to hide or apologize or shrink.
  • "Decide what to be and go be it". --The Avett Brothers.
  • This is not then end of the story.