Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The Single Mom, Dating and the Big City

I am so fortunate to have the most amazing man in my life. He is smart, kind, handsome, thoughtful and loving. I'm so blessed.


But I've kissed some frogs to get my prince.


Being single in NY is difficult.  But being in your thirties and having children can make looking for "Mr. Right" even more difficult.

Here are 10 tips to dating regardless of your family status.

1. Go out! -
It may seem obvious but so many people say they don't meet anyone but they never go out. There are tons of ways to meet professional adults in the big city. There are after work event, day parties, brunches, networking events, etc. Just going out for a walk around your neighborhood could spark up something.  If you cannot get out try online dating.

2. Think of dating as making friends -
Go out with the intention of making new friends. Sometimes women judge men too quickly.  Some women have list and expect a man to meet all of the characteristics, but if you open yourself up to people, you never know what may happen. And if that person does not end up being Mr. Right at least you've made a new friend.

 3. Don't always listen to your friends -
Misery loves company and sometimes when your friend is not ready to date, they want you to be unattached as well.  A good friend will support your quest to find love without any negatives.  It may be time to expand your circle of friends if all your friends want to do is Scandal get-togethers.

4. Smile - 
Do you notice that some women always meet knew men? Chances are they are smiling and being friendly.  Everyone is attracted to a positive person.  Try your best to be cheerful.

5. Love your body -
I don't know about you, but my body has changed drastically since having children.  The body I used to complain about is the body I wish I had now.  But I am very appreciative of the body I have.  I can walk, run, dance and I am very grateful that I was able to carry two human beings in my body.  So appreciate your body. 

Plus there is a saying that I heard from a friend, "There's a pot for every lid". There is someone for everyone. 

6. Honesty -
Honesty is the number one thing we all want in a partner.  We want to feel like we can trust the person that we are with.  We must be honest when meeting new people.  Let them know your quirks, interest, as well as any family or health or mental health issues that you may have.  All people have things that they'd rather keep hidden but being honest is a good way to create an honest relationship and to find out if this person can really accept you for who you are flaws and all. 

7.  Dress your Best -
That one time you decide to run to the store in your house sweats, a head tie and beat up sneakers; is the day you see your arch nemesis, your celebrity crush and your child’s teacher.   So make every effort to step out looking your best.  If you feel good about how you look you feel more confident and open to meeting new people.

8. Uncle this, Mr. That, Introducing your kids to who you are dating-
Introducing your kids to everyone you date can be confusing and frustrating to your little ones.  Take time to get to know someone before you introduce them to your kids.  Initially introduce them casually as a friend.  No titles needed.  If you introduce your date as your boyfriend, your child may start imagining you getting married to this person and that comes with a whole lot of feelings and concerns that may be premature.  

Making sure this person is a good match for you and your kid(s) is important.  Be sure to assess how your child(ren) feels about it.  

Break-ups are hard for adults and hard for children as well.  Speak to them about their thoughts and feelings if there is a break-up.

9. Be ok with being single
I know this sounds counterproductive but when all you are thinking about is your biological clock and getting married, you may not be sending a confident vibe.  You may be coming off too needy or too anxious.  Be ok with your single lifestyle, be confident with who you are.

10. Laugh
Don’t take the process to serious.  Have fun.  Be open to new experiences and enjoy yourself.


ExposureMom

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