Never Settle ... set the bar high and keep raising it

I have thought about this blog entry for awhile.  Sometimes I think about doing a live but then as I think through the things I want to say I get a little heated and think perhaps putting it on paper and in words might be a better outlet.

So here goes nothing.

I have been single for a long time.  It isn't out of not wanting to date or wanting a relationship really but just circumstances are what they are.  When Levi was first born him being safe and healthy and well cared for was the most important thing ... dating was not.  As he got a little older him feeling loved and feeling safe and me being able to pay our bills and put food on the table became the important things so again dating was just not something I thought about.  As Levi grew it became really important for me to feel safe and for me to work on me for a little bit so that is what I did.  Now I am in a place where I can honestly say I feel like my best self.  I feel like Levi is in a great place.  We are in a wonderful and happy place together.

Levi has been telling me for like the last 3 years I needed to date by the way.  I am pretty sure he is just ready to marry me off so I will leave him alone lol.

So here is why I felt like I needed to post.  I recently did go on a date and I was a bit taken aback by a few things.  First, I was told my standards were too high.  Too high for who?  You?  Perhaps you feel you don't meet them.  Perhaps I have narrowed my options to like 2% ... maybe?  But why am I not allowed to have high standards?  Because I am 38?  So what!  I work my ass off.  I have supported myself and my child for almost 10 years.  I have worked jobs I don't like.  I have worked multiple jobs at once so my child can the latest and greatest video game of his choice.  Why would I lower what I want in life just because I am 38 or just because I am a parent or just because I am whatever!

Ok ... next ... I do not need a man to take care of me or Levi!  I am not ... nor have I ever been ... a "kept" woman.  I make my own money and I pay my own bills.  I also do not plan to take care of any man.  I don't give free handout.  If you don't have a job or can't support yourself .. keep walking.  (see paragraph above about my high standards ... one of those is have a job and pay your own bills).

Lastly, If I say I am not interested I don't need to give you any reason other than I am just not interested.  I do not owe it to you or anyone to explain why I am not attracted to someone or why I don't care to go out with someone.  If I get hit on and it is unwanted a simple, thanks but no thanks should be plenty.  The number of times I get questioned on why I could not possibly be interested in someone is astounding! I don't question why guys might not be interested in me.  Trust me I have been turned down, a lot actually.  I mean seriously ... we are grown ups folks.  No, not interested .. these are acceptable answers and don't ever have to be followed with anything further.

I think that is about it for now.  Ah, the wonderful world of dating (or not) in your 30s.

I am an independent, out spoken, kinda loud and always speak my mind type of girl and I don't need a husband / boyfriend / SO in my life to complete it.

Whew ... Well ... now that I have terrified the last 2% off I think I am good lol.

Bottom line, my standards are high because I have high standards for myself.  I don't settle for mediocre out of me or out of Levi so why would I settle for that out of someone I date.  So I guess if that means I go another 10 years and I am still single ... I am perfectly happy with that.

~Sara