Antwerp, Belgium. The diamond market of the world (where all your engagement diamonds are traded).
What a strange time to be alive. If you’re a female in your early 20s, you probably see a number of women you know or knew getting married and having babies. It seems like someone is getting engaged every day. You probably feel like you are the most single, most solo person on this earth.
You are not alone.
There’s a dating app for whoever and whatever you’re looking for. You know someone can be talking to 20 other people in addition to you, and there’s a good chance there’s more than one person in your phone, too. I genuinely believe most people don’t wantto play mind games with not just one, but a number of potential suiters. However, as much as we don’t want to play the game, we find ourselves unable to tap out.
Let’s be honest. In America we have completely lost sight of what dating should be. “Netflix and chill” mentality has totally ruined it. Don’t get me wrong, I love a cozy movie night in, especially with fall right around the corner (unless you live in Kentucky, who knows when fall will decide to show up). It’s really nice to wrap up in a blanket with endless snacks at your disposal to recharge.
But a movie night in shouldn’t be the norm. It requires little to no effort to plan. My point is that the person you are dating should be so ecstatic to spend time with you, putting in time to plan something should not be a chore.
Know what type of person you are and know your love language. I’m a very emotional person and to many I am considered needy. It’s somewhat true, I have a lot of energy (when properly caffeinated) and that energy needs to go somewhere. So, when it comes to dating, I want to see that person a lot. And do A LOT. I love wine and tacos as much as the next girl, but I don’t expect to be taken out for one meal a day. That’s ridiculous, and not a great idea for the wallet nor waistline! I love going to football and basketball games and going to the racetrack to watch the horse races. I enjoy being outside in the sunshine. Louisville has a number of beautiful parks to take a walk, and not to mention the walking bridge. My love languages are “Quality Time and Words of Affirmation” because I need to be reassured that the interest is there. For many males in their 20s, that can be taken as “needy”.
But I own it. I am me, and my brain is wired how it is. I get that relationships are about compromise, but if I feel like I’m settling, I shouldn’t pursue the relationship at all. The right person will not only understand but also speak my language.
Cheers to all my fellow hopeless romantics, and anyone feeling a little down about single life. Wait until you find something truly special. Until then, use this priceless time to “date” your girlfriends.