Single in the City

So, as most of you know, my relationship status has currently changed. I am once again "single in the city." As you can imagine, it has been quite an adjustment period for me and continues to be a bit....surreal?

Though I'm not quite ready to delve back into the "dating scene," I thought I'd share with you some things I've learned from my previous venture into dating in Chicago.

As I think towards the future, of meeting men and dating, the book "He's just not that into you" keeps popping in my head. Honestly, I'm not one for self help books but this book really puts dating into perspective. Too many times, women wait around for a man to call, text, IM, email, or show any sign that you are anything significant to him. I'll admit I have been guilty of this in the past. Always remember "He's not that into you if he's not calling you."

I think we also need to learn to trust our gut instincts a bit more. There are several times I went on a date with someone and was a bit hesitant about agreeing to a second date, but I did to be nice. Sometimes being too nice can blow up in your face.

Example: YEARS ago, I went out with this guy, we'll call him Jim (not to protect identity but because I don't remember his name :) ). The first date was alright, but I wasn't sure that it was an exact match. I struggled with the decision of whether to go out with him again. Finally, I thought 'well he's NICE, so I guess I'll give him another try.' A week later, we went out to a movie and he came up to my apartment afterwards for a drink ( I SWEAR just a drink). Anyway, while we were talking, Jim quickly ran into my bathroom. All of a sudden, I hear the fan on, and the water running....He then proceeds to let out the LOUDEST farts I have ever heard in my life. Now, this was back in PA school, before my 4 years of gastroenterology experience...and I like a good fart joke just like the next person... But COME ON?? This was only a 2nd date (and the last) and he came out of the bathroom with this HUGE grin on his face and a seductive look in his eyes. I guess his bowels were feeling better, so he felt ready to make a move. Too bad for him, his chance was gone. I should have trusted that "gut" instinct and not have gone out with him again.

Over the years, I have had many dates that did not lead to relationships, but definitely gave me good material to tell my friends the next day. One of the worst and most awkward date I have EVER been on was, again, several years ago. Tim? Nick? John?...I don't remember his name. Anyway, we met at Old Orchard Mall. The plan was to have dinner and a movie. Prior to meeting up with him, he said "Do me a favor. If you're having a good time with me, let me pay for dinner." I was like..um...ok? Prior to dinner he had bought our tickets for the movie. As we're walking to the restaurant, He turns to me and says "If you want to have an alcoholic drink, that's okay." where I replied "Well, I'm over 21 years old so I know this" but was thinking "I may need SEVERAL drinks to get through the rest of THIS date." We got to dinner where I think there was little to no conversation and I inhaled my drinks and food just to be done with it.

If he didn't already purchase the movie tickets, I would have ended the date there, but I couldn't. We go to the movie theater and I am staring at the movie screen, arms crossed in front of me, with my jacket across me like a blanket. Body language 101 will tell you that I'm not interested. Finally, the lights go down for the previews to start and "whats his name" turns to me and stares at me throughout the ENTIRE previews, drilling a hole into the side of me head with his eyes. Just thinking about this makes me want to puke, but it gets worse. As the movie continues, he rests his head on my shoulder and trys to dig his hand in to hold my hand. I don't even know what movie we saw, what it was about, who were the actors. I think it might have involved a train? All I could think of the entire time was "GET ME OUT OF HERE." Needless to say, I rejected a second date, but can officially title this the Worst Date Ever!

Hope these stories were enjoyable! If I remember more, I'll be sure to share! If you have any tips or stories to share, comment away!! :D