Last year my girlfriend Boo tried something she called "Down With Men" year. And Rachel Ray is now touting something she calls the "Single Girl Challenge" where women refrain from dating or involvement with men for 90 days. And now it is my turn.
Last year my big goal for 2006 was to date more. I stopped saying no to dates with guys that just didn't spark my interest, and put myself out there just a little more. For better or worse, there was a lot more dating in 2006. And it wasn't all a good thing. In fact, I'd say the last 4 months have more or less sucked with relationship drama. Which is why I am now embarking on my own personal dating embargo for 60 days.
I applaud Boo and Rachel Ray for their long term efforts at reducing the influence of men in their lives, but, I am choosing to be realistic instead. 60 days is pretty freaking long for me.
The rules I am imposing upon myself-
no dates for 60 days
no asking Jules, Sherpa, Steph, or any other friend, for advice about men
no giving any man a second chance for 60 days
no giving any man a first chance for 60 days
I may still socialize, flirt, and enjoy the company of men. However, I may not go on something that feels or smells like a date.
no asking myself (or others) why he hasn't called/IM'ed/emailed/texted/etc for 60 days.
no daydreaming (except as required to write a book) about men
I will assume that all men who do approach me want to be my friend and nothing more.
Watch and/or read "Bridget Jones Diary" (parts 1 or 2) at least once a week to remind myself that dating is pretty much never worth it.
I'd watch the first movie and read the second book in the Bridget Jones saga. I thought the way that Bridget was portrayed in the second movie was a travesty, especially the way that they completely botched the whole prison sequence. The book portrayed her more of an independent and strong willed woman rather than a damsel in distress; even the movie shows Bridget heavier than she is in the book. Just thinking about it, the movie in generally just missed the entire point of the second book. In conclusion, first movie, yes, second movie, no.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine going on a "dating drought" being anything different from my regular life. I'm in the "have to put myself out there more" stage--but for both friendships and dating purposes. I need to fill my life with more friends.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge Bridget fan. I've watched the movies, read the books, etc. I even went through a spell where Juli and I spoke in Bridget. (Actually, we still do that sometimes.) The second movie was a good movie, it just had nothing to do with the book it was supposedly based on.
ReplyDeleteA dating drought certainly isn't that hard to do. Not dating really may be the easiest thing ever to accomplish. It is the not thinking, fretting, or caring about men that will be the hard part. Particularly when some men seem to want to do nothing more than make me think about them. But no! I won't do it! I won't! I won't!
ReplyDeleteRachel Ray is happily married. I don't think she's on a hiatus. She's just catering to her single girl market.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters if Rachel Ray is married or single. She's absolutely right. Girls who focus too much on finding a guy sort of scream desperation. Girls who enjoy life and are comfortable with themselve regardless of man status are more attractive.
ReplyDeletepffffffttt ;)
ReplyDelete