If you’re new here, I’m a single, never-been-married woman in my mid-30s, who is traveling and dating around the world. Over the years, I’ve grown from verbally abusive relationships, infidelity, and body image issues, and I won’t settle for a relationship where there is dysfunctional behavior or treatment, a misalignment of values, or a lack of physical chemistry. How did I get here? I'll kick off this chapter with a quote by Rupi Kaur: "How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you..."
Tag: dating blog
Dating Diary of a Single Nomad: The Three Most Frustrating Things I Keep Seeing from Men
I’ve been a nomad for over two years now, traveling the world and dating, and this is what I’ve found… · I meet more viable men while traveling abroad, compared to when I lived in one place or traveled full-time in the U.S. · Even with the capability to screen/filter, I meet more men I’m actually interested in in-real-life, vs. on dating apps · Even though I’m currently single, the fleeting connections I’ve experienced this year give me hope that I’ll find my future long-term partner out there in the world But a thriving dating life means I’ve also met some busters (in the wise words of TLC). From the (relatively) benign to the bad, these are the three types of “busters” I keep encountering over and over again on the nomad life...
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 would’ve 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 [...]
I’m a Nomad, But No, I Won’t Consider a Long-Distance Relationship (+ Caveat)
I’ve spent the past six years largely single. I’ve been on too many first dates to count. I’ve had a couple brief romantic attachments. I even thought I was falling in love once or twice — that there was serious long-term potential — ready to go all-in. I’ve been over-the-moon in rose-colored bliss, and I’ve [...]
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.)
An Open Letter to the Local Men I Meet During Nomad Life
I don’t 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 other’s 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 who’ve 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.)
I Caught a Cheater on Instagram and I Have a Couple Things to Say About It
A married man tried to set up a date with me during a business trip, and I learned he was married through some simple social media investigative work. So guess what. I screenshot that and slid into his wife's DMs.
Dating, Distance & “The Scarcity Complex”
My theory: when I'm traveling — because I live elsewhere — my perceived unavailability makes me more attractive. The opposite is true at home.
Friends > Lovers… When It Works and When It Doesn’t
"Friends first." It can work, and has worked for many couples. But it can also be a trap. (A true story.)
Marriage is Not the Be-All-End-All
If never marry, so be it. Don’t feel sorry for me. My life has begun, and it's full of possibilities.
The Day I Stopped Ignoring My Gut
At first, he did a lot of things right. Then he did a lot of things wrong; he made the mistake that so many guys make.
My Rules for the First Date
Time and time again, I run into idiot adult men who don’t know how to do a first date properly. So, I’m gonna get some hell for this one, but I don’t care… these are the rules for the first date.
Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness, It’s Power
Scary, at first, but once the floodgates were open, the POWER this revelation brought surged through me. This was me, my truth, my humble heart: "I'm not over you."
Why I Quit Dating Apps
Over the past decade, I dived into dating apps in earnest, looking for the one — only to be disappointed and bored. I quit.
My Zero-Tolerance Approach to Dating
Being confident doesn't mean going after him. It's knowing your worth, it's preserving your dignity, it's putting up with no crap.
Vulnerability is the New Black
Having the courage to reveal your flaws, voice your fears, and speak your truth is actually attractive. So why aren't more people vulnerable?
When Not to ‘Give the Guy a Shot’
If I can’t imagine a future with someone within the first few dates, I probably never will. And then it's sayonara.
Why I Stopped Living for the Future and Started Living in the Moment
I prepped for the future. I made major, life-changing decisions based on my plan. And I was constantly disappointed when what I expected didn’t come to be.
