Iāve been a nomad for over two years now, traveling the world and dating, and this is what Iāve foundā¦ Ā· I meet more viable men while traveling abroad, compared to when I lived in one place or traveled full-time in the U.S. Ā· Even with the capability to screen/filter, I meet more men Iām actually interested in in-real-life, vs. on dating apps Ā· Even though Iām currently single, the fleeting connections Iāve experienced this year give me hope that Iāll find my future long-term partner out there in the world But a thriving dating life means Iāve also met some busters (in the wise words of TLC).Ā From the (relatively) benign to the bad, these are the three types of ābustersā I keep encountering over and over again on the nomad life...
Category: Love
My observations in romance-related topics such as dating, being single, standards, intuition, vulnerability, break ups, and cheating.
Iām a Full-Time Solo Traveler: Do I Ever Get Lonely?
Loneliness. As a full-time nomad and solo traveler, I am asked about this often ā so here's my long-winded answer: I have never felt deep isolation or prolonged loneliness... but what about *sustained* connections?
Why We Should Stop Looking for Soulmates
11 years ago, I traveled to Greece for the first time. It had been a few years since my verbally abusive relationship ended; but during that trip, I felt like I had finally healed and was ready to date again. I was also in my mid 20s, and starting to feel the pressures from society. When would I get engaged? Would I hit the milestones I was supposed to in the right time frame? Were we dating in vain, or was my partner going to propose? Now, in my mid-30s, my outlook on marriage and relationships has completely changed. I believe some people are only meant to stay in your life for a season, and that longevity is not the primary goal. I also discuss the sunk cost fallacy. Read on...
Letter to My Narcissistic Ex-Lover
I bought matching bracelets for us. I wouldāve given yours to you, with a hug, a kiss, and a little inside joke: that I wanted to be the last girl to give you a bracelet at the beach. But you were cold, then hot again. You were salty and derisive, then sweet and complimentary. You [...]
Iām a Nomad, But No, I Wonāt Consider a Long-Distance Relationship (+ Caveat)
Iāve spent the past six years largely single. Iāve been on too many first dates to count. Iāve had a couple brief romantic attachments. I even thought I was falling in love once or twice ā that there was serious long-term potential ā ready to go all-in. Iāve been over-the-moon in rose-colored bliss, and Iāve [...]
I Stay Hopeful For Love by Loving and Valuing Myself
On my worst days, especially after date after disappointing date, I think: "Will I ever find anyone to love again?" And hey, at least it's better than thinking, "Will anyone ever love ME?" I stop this thought in its tracks, and I remind myself: I will. I will find someone else to love... a person that will also love me. And it will likely be when I least expect it, in the wildest place, or under the most surprising circumstances. It only takes oneā¦ but there is not only one...
Ask Me Anything: Your Frequently Asked Questions About Nomad Life (USA Edition)
I'm officially one year in to nomad life, and I figured it was high time to compile answers to some of my readers' most frequently asked questions... about what brought me to this decision, how I'm traveling, what my job is, how I afford this, and dating on the road, to name a few.
Month #11 of Nomad Life is a Wrap: What Iāve Learned So Far
Today, Aug. 4, 2021, marks 11 months since I left Phoenix ā sold my house, 99% of my things, and embraced a nomadic lifestyle. I figured there was no better time to summarize some of the learnings and lessons from these past 11 months than today. Using the categories on my website (travel, finance, career, and love) as a guide, read on...
Nomad Life Love Update: Understanding, The Highest Love
"When two people seek to understand each other, they build bridges of meaning. One personās rope reaches out and ties up with the other personās cable, and even while materially different, even while coming from different places, a link is formed. When we ask questions, when we listen, when we quietly absorb, when we seek to understand, when we empathize, we are showing people the highest love and most ultimate respect. A precursor, of course, to any budding courtship."
Online Dating Do’s and Don’ts: From a Single Woman in Her 30s
I donāt claim to be any kind of dating coach, but I do have some observations that perhaps you could either relate to (or learn from!).... and basically my number one PSA is: The mere act of expressing interest does not make someone interesting. ... And I donāt go out with people who have not interested me.Ā Ā
I’m in My 30s and Single ā But ‘Looking’ I’m Not
I hate the question: āWhat are you looking for?ā I also hate any derivative of: āHang in there, you will find him." Because surprise surprise, I am not looking for a man. Iām not looking for ANY one...
How I Harnessed My Single Girl Power
I find myself reflecting, once in a blue moon, about how Iāve been largely single these last five years and what that has been like: half a decade making meals for one, without regular physical intimacy, holidays spent without a special someone, trips and photographs taken alone... And Iām wistful for a moment, because I want these things. I enjoy building a life with someone. Waking up together in the morning. Flirting, teasing, trusting. Loving and investing, with my whole heart.Ā And then I remember...
I Can Get Any Guy I Want
Boastful, you say? I can get any guy I want... but the emphasis is on āI want.ā I'm looking for the relationship I deserve with the man I want ā and ignoring all others ā because when someone shows me who they are, I believe them.
A Tale of Two Men: An Online Dating Story
When it comes to a high-value potential mate, don't put up barriers. Don't force. And don't fast-forward. A natural progression is under-appreciated. (A true story.)
Calling Me āMarriage Materialā Is Not a Compliment
Just recently, in a Facebook group discussion, I was called "marriage material." By a rando stranger reacting to my financial successes. And, being the straightforward and direct person that I am, I politely replied, āIām sure you mean well, but that isnāt a compliment." Allow me to state my case...
My Promise to Myself: To Speak Up for What I Deserve
This is a growing year. I am doing a lot of things that I never thought possible. And Iāve decided, sort of unintentionally āthat I am going to finally speak up for what I deserve in dating. I will not lower my standards for anyone, anytime, under any circumstances, and I will not let bad behavior go unaddressed. Case in point...
An Open Letter to the Local Men I Meet During Nomad Life
I donāt believe in long distance relationships. A satisfying relationship requires two bodies in the same room, in addition to things like shared interests and goals. Looking into each otherās eyes not through a screen. Being able to reach out and touch one another, instead of longing to someday soon feel their touch. I think most people whoāve been in long distance relationships would agree. However, the traditional implication is that these two people are separate, stationary, and confined by their geography. But... What if one of them is not?
The Truth About Attraction and Vulnerability
Insecurity kills attraction, but vulnerability can build it. Know the difference. (Just take these two IRL examples from Julie's dating life.)
The Love, Career and Finance Advice Iād Give to My Younger Self (From a Single Woman in Her 30s)
Dear impressionable 20-somethings: DON'T get married just because youāre āsupposed to" or "it's time." Donāt choose your career on āsuitability,ā choose a CALLING. Forget the things that'll make you look rich, INVEST in what truly enriches your life. Let everything you do be best for you; for now or for later, and for the betterment of what really matters in this life.
Your Employment Status Does Not Define You
As I see many of my friends, acquaintances, and connections getting laid off, taking mandated furloughs, or receiving pay cuts, I just wanted to leave this here: Your employment status does not define you, and your salary does not equal your value. What does define you? A willingness to embrace change and adapt. Generosity of time, heart and spirit. Persistence and determination. A desire for personal growth and betterment. Humility. Appreciation for the gifts you do have in life. Because, this:
