Lessons for a Date-aholic

After this week I feel like the dating race should be almost over. Then I checked the calendar and realized just over one week has gone by and there are still three full weeks to go! The purpose of this post is informational--lessons I have learned from taking just a few steps into the race. So at the risk of feeling extremely vulnerable, here it is!

• I have learned that first dates are fun! They are not something to get nervous about--it's just one date. There may (and let's hope!) be second and third, etc. dates in the future that will eventually freak me out, but so far firsts have been easier than I had anticipated. In the past they have always made me a little bit nervous, but now they're just fun and I can enjoy them more than I had previously because the stress is gone.
• I have learned that I'm shorter than I realized. I mean, I've always known I'm short, but having a sister who is shorter than me I think has spoiled me. But I look at these pictures and think to myself, "Wow he's taller than I realized!" Then after that realization occurring on every picture I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm just short. Or should I say, fun-sized.
• I have learned that guys have it rougher than I'd ever given them credit for. In one week's time I've been stood up, ignored, cancelled on (some with a re-schedule, others not), avoided and other unpleasant things. It is hard not to take it personally (especially since sometimes maybe it is personal!) If I were not in this competition I am positive I would have not asked another guy out for a really long time because it's hard on the heart. Truth be told, there are many times I wanted to quit this week. But because I try to be true to my word and I told these boys I would do this, I will continue to press forward! If anything has come from the hard times this week it's my ambition to be more diligent in always following through with my commitments. Whether it's within my control or not, I see more clearly how it can affect another person.
• I have learned that Eric and Jon are fabulous people. Okay, honestly I knew this before the competition...but I feel the three of us have become even better friends through this. We talk about the good things, the bad things, the hard things, the things we didn't realize until now, the "I'm an idiot" moments and everything in between. We give each other encouragement and praise. During every one of these conversations it's reestablished in my mind what GOOD people these two young men are. They really are people who are just trying to do what's right and get out there and meet and date as many people as they can. And they are learning every bit as much as I am how good of a thing this is for all three of us (and for different reasons!)
• I have learned that people are very opinionated about this blog! This is the most controversial thing I think I have ever done. It seems as though everybody I meet has already heard about the blog from somebody else. Everyone also either loves it more than chocolate (!!!) or hates it with a burning, fiery passion. Sometimes it scares me to post about a date for fear of what others will say. It has taught me that when I feel strongly about something, especially something I'm committed to, I follow through--no matter what.
• I have learned that there are a lot of really good men out there. Sometimes, as girls, I think we get down on ourselves when we don't date a lot. Then we try to convince ourselves that maybe it's the guys' problem and not our own (I think that makes us feel better.) Sorry girls! I have been out with 10 great men! Though I am not sure why these men aren't asking some of us wonderful ladies out, I know they are out there.
• I have learned that it's okay to ask a guy out. I have had issues with this in the past. I am somewhat of a traditionalist and the last thing I want to tell my kids is that their father was a wimp and couldn't get up the courage to ask me out so I had to ask him out! Don't get me wrong, I have asked out a lot of guys in my lifetime, but for me it's not ideal. However, I have learned that 1) they are scared because it's hard (see above), 2) sometimes they just don't think to ask us out (sounds lame, but no offense guys--sometimes thinking isn't at the top of your priority list) and 3) they wait too long after they get our number and then it's weird (done that a few times so far as well).
• I've learned that I'm not good at asking on dates--in fact, I'm awkward. Goal for next time I call someone: Have a plan. Yes, that's right...I have actually called people not knowing when or what we're doing. Maybe that comes with not wanting to be the one doing the asking. It's easy for the dates I've been set up on because we just have to find a time that works for both of us, but when it's someone I actually know I should have a plan so that I don't feel so silly.

That's all the lessons I can come up with for now. I'm sure there are many more lessons to be learned over the next three weeks, so stay tuned!