Being in the dating arena, and arena is a GREAT word for it because isn't that where the ancient Romans used to throw people to the lions? Or was that a Coliseum? Dating Coliseum doesn't really make sense, so arena it is. As I was saying, having to date in your 50s is like being marched into an arena where there is nothing but hungry lions, and you, my friends, are the prey. Is it simply because we are old and have more negative experiences? I've been on dates with people who give Samsonite a run for its money in the baggage department. I have had long conversations with folks who have more issues than Sports Illustrated- truth! We're not talking the sexy swimsuit edition type of issues either. It's more like an entire issue devoted to jock itch and athletes foot 🦶 😬. I know that I do not approach dating the same way that someone who is divorced, per se, does. I'm single because my husband died. It's a different dynamic than dating, because a long-term relationship has ended.
I never thought I was a "picky" person, but I guess I am in a weird way. I don't want someone to tell me what they think I want to hear. I want to have insignificant, silly conversations just as much as I want to have long, meaningful ones. I want to lie in bed and watch The Flintstones while I eat bacon out of a bowl, and laugh, just laugh. Below is a snippet of my reaction after my daughter sent me an absolutely ridiculous TikTok video. I love to laugh, and I love making other people laugh. Life can be so harsh sometimes. You have to laugh. Sometimes men make me laugh for reasons other than comedy though. Yet I continue to laugh.
I had a prospective date tell me that I was a "better-looking" Marlo Thomas. Why couldn't he have just said, "Annette,I like you"? I don't get it.
There are so many things wrong with that statement. First of all, my apologies to Marlo Thomas. She was "THAT GIRL" for crying out loud. I wish my hair would bouffant out and flip on the ends, as hers did. A girl can dream, can't she? What am I supposed to glean from that comparison? Should I update my resume? Proficient in Word and Excel, I am Customer Service-Driven, and on a good day, I'm a better-looking Marlo Thomas. We won't even discuss what I am on bad day 😣. Do people even know who Marlo Thomas is? I've also been told I look like Aubrey Plaza. She's cute and quirky, so I'm okay with that. Most days, I look in the mirror and think, "I've seen better heads on a mug of beer." Eye of the beholder, I guess. 🍺
I know that traditional beauty standards cast the blonde Barbie aesthetic as the ideal, but I think there is something so exotic about dark-haired women. I am a huge fan of old Hollywood glamour, and to me, people like Vivian Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Elizabeth Taylor were unmatched. Don't email me to argue; we will just have to agree to disagree. Also, please don't email me to ask how I dare compare myself to That Girl. I didn't, and I wouldn't. I like myself, but I'm also realistic.
No one has ever asked me when I'm due back at the bell tower, so I'm pretty sure I'm halfway okay looking. I'd rather someone tell me they like the sound of my laugh. My laugh is a little crazy i admit, but then at least I know you are probably sincere cause if you can listen to that you have potential.
When you are serious about someone be sincere. Don't worry about empty compliments, actions speak louder than words anyway. Be for real. What you put out is what you get back- Peace.
BTW - if u r in the market for a great ring tone my laugh might just be what the doctor ordered 😆