I Think I’m on Life #7. . .

I’m the stereotype again. Still in my 50’s (just barely), single again (my ex-partner and I tried again but ended it again last year), but now only have four cats and a dog. It’s taken me awhile to get back up again. I’ve been content to stay in my little comfort bubble.

Now though, I’m coming up out of my shell. I’m feeling great physically, losing weight (which I think I’m on life #102 doing that) and – drum roll – thinking about getting out there again. Yes. Dating.

Ugh.

Dating has never been all that fun for me. When I was younger, I was insecure and tried to mold myself into what he wanted me to be. I know – crazy right? Now I’m more confident and know myself pretty damn well. I just don’t want to go through all of the work of getting to know someone and all the baggage that comes with it. And face it – some people have storage units of baggage.

At least I know mine and like to pack it a very stylish and hip set of luggage.

I’ve looked at dating sites and have a profile on Our Time – the one for people over 50. Of course I’m too cheap to pay for it so it just sits there. This is going to sound a bit conceited but man – a lot of those guys on there are old! I still think of myself as in my 40’s. Age doesn’t bother me because I really feel it’s life experience and attitude. And I don’t think I’m better than anyone but come on – how many men really love long walks and sitting by the fire? Call me cynical – which I am – but it sounds like such a line. Hell I remember being asked what my sign was when I was in the disco. It somehow feels a little familiar.

Dating also means having to get dressed up and going out. I dig living in my little cottage, coming home, walking Reuben around the pond and watching the sunset. Although that kind of sounds like a line too . . .

So why bother? I’m incredibly happy, my kids, family and friends are all doing well, I still love my job, and now that I’ve bought my little cottage, I have roots. I feel very grounded.

Sometimes though it would be nice to have the companionship and fun of a relationship. I don’t have to, but it might be a nice complement to my life.

I know myself and what I’m looking for. Being able to deal with mice is a must. Two of us screaming wouldn’t solve the issue. Must love dogs – and cats – is a hard must have. I’m a package deal. Gotta make me laugh. I’m incredibly funny – I think anyway. And it all has to be wrapped up in kindness – to me, people, animals and to life in general. It’s a tough world, and we all need to be much kinder to one another.

I’ve told a few of my friends that at this point, I’m only dating on a referral basis. That means if they know someone who might be a good fit, they can refer. However they also know they are responsible for that referral. Just like I am careful referring people for job, so must my friends follow the same rule. It all reflects back on you baby.

With that being said, I realize I’m probably going to be content with my wonderful life as is, and living this particular “life” I will continue to be happy, energized by the world around me and grateful for all that I have. And that is okay.

There is one thing. I found out this summer that I’m only one degree away from Idris Elba. I know he just got married this year but I’m sure if that friend made a referral, once he met me, it’d be all over.

And I’ll even learn to deal with the mice if he’s afraid. . .