Now, I cannot say I’m terribly happy as an “independent” (aka: naturally single) person and be 100% truthful. But, I’m not unsatisfied in that way, either. I merely mention it in this blog as an ear-catching piece of info setting up the story I am prepared to reveal to you

A week ago today I was talking to Sandy, thinking of joining a dating service for Phoenix singles. Now, I write to each of you as a fully satisfied member of the singles network. Seriously, and I almost don’t believe it myself! I like it! If you have read my old blog, perhaps you’re thinkin’, “You totally owe me an explanation.”

Well, I saw this Great Expectations Dating site and liked what I saw. They’re for the serious singles who know dating should mean something.

‘Cause I’d never enjoyed or even tolerated whatever it is that my friends and my family so aptly entitled “The Dating Game.” I faced it more than anyone should. Every night friends nagg, “You’re still single? ” and “Please tell me you two are dating.”

“Nonsense,” I say to them, smiling ear to ear. “Take a look around, I’m not missing much.”

“Whatever doofus,” they say. “You haven’t dated in a year, you wouldn’t know!”

That’s just my friend (on a good day) hah! Sandy Holland. She beams rational thought to my mind 99% of the time. Loved ones you can trust to offer perspective. She made a good point, and I thank her for it.

Returning to the meaning of this essay. As I browsed from more than three hundred quality singles for my first singles event with Great Expectations, I acknowledged something real. For the longest time, I hadn’t allowed myself the greatest of emotional great expectations for dating and myself in the serendipitous journey of being human. It’s good to be single, specifically with healthy optimism. Embracing your own great expectations makes a difference for those who believe.

+Christy Rodriguez