Now and Then

THEN:

Everyone knows the story of the "Ugly Duckling" It was a cute baby duck -ugly kid duck - beautiful swan. Yep that is ME. I was a cute baby I am not going to lie, all 8lbs of me. I was an even cuter toddler and then that ackward preteen age hit and I would not be at all disappointed if my Mother burned my pictures from that era. Then comes late junior high early high school and let's just say "Sally Jesse Raphael" Yes, I had red framed glasses and I actually thought they looked good. Lord, help me!!

If I remember correctly I had my first kiss on the lips in the 6th grade walking back to class. Shhh, it counts! Then it would not happen again for 5 years, I think. I got my first official boyfriend when I was a junior in high school and he was someone I met at a Youth Lock-In. The first relationship never works out... not a big story there.

Against my better judement I dated one of my Brothers friends whom took me to my Senior prom. He cheated on me and that was the end of that story.

By this time I am pretty cute and I have transformed into the beautiful swan. Cute has transformed into beautiful. However, this isn't the main point of this story. Never did I think I would be 36 and dating. Yep, 18 years later I am single and have found myself in the middle of this game called dating.

I think it was simpler when I was 18 although I did not think that then. I don't think I realized what a game that it is - maybe I was more naive than I am now.

Fast forward 18 years to --

NOW:

Today... I am now the beautiful Swan with a cracked beak and a mended heart and I might have a few feathers missing. I am the Swan that has been through a few rough relationships. I may be a little twisted, bent but not broken.

However, I wonder if I will have the patience for dating at 36. I can't believe what a game it is and how many guys cannot communicate and simply state how they feel or what they want. It is easy speak from the heart.
You might hurt someones feelings but at least they will know how you feel about them and you don't leave them to to wonder - everyone needs closure.

So, if you are new to the game or entering it again like myself this is how I here it works.

1. Act like you are not interested. Yep, that's right pretend like you don't like them - ignore them. Ignore their calls, take 2 hours to text them back or don't do it at all.

2. Refer to #1

Men want to pursue and chase and if you act like you like them then that is no fun and they go and look for someone that wants to be chased. Ridiculous!!

Ok, I get this action when you are 18 but 36 - I am tired and I don't have a lot of time so can we just be real with each other. I like you - you like me - GREAT- want to get some dinner. Abso -Freaking- Lutely. Simple. I expect more from a man that is my age or older. I understand you wanting to chase tail at 18 but 36+ really, aren't you tired to and want to skip the games? No, that would be to simple.

I might not understand the rules of dating but this is what I do know. I have experienced life full throttle and it isn't even close to being over. I am a tall strong confident beautiful woman and I have a lot to offer. This time the man I meet is going to have earn the right to share the limited time I have to spend with them. They are going to treat me like the great woman I am.

Games or not I will not except any less than the best.

So, ok I will get some extra sleep grab a red bull and put on my game face. You have your running shoes on?

Catch me if you can.......

:)