I WONDER... WHO NEEDS A MAN ANYWAY? (I DO)

Here's the thing about dating... I hate it! And holy S#*tballs, I've had some disasters.

As you can probably gather, this isn't a dating advice column. If anything, it might be a lesson in what not to do when you first start dating.

And then there's the whole “What should I wear?” situation — after changing a hundred times, your bedroom looks like it's been robbed.

I’m awkward. I was probably the shyest woman you could ever meet. I'd rather rock back and forward under the nearest table, crying and sucking my thumb, and conquer my anxiety like a true child.

But somewhere underneath this scared woman-child, I realised that if I wanted to actually experience life, I was going to have to get out of my comfort zone.

So I did what any shy woman would do...

I faked confidence.  And this is where my fake it till you make it adventure begins.

With my newfound confidence, I decided to go to a singles dating night.

I put on a tight-fitting, bright floral yellow dress.

I'm an Island girl — subtle was never really an option.

This dress screamed: “LOOK AT ME!”

I walked into the bar, looked around and immediately thought...

This place has drunk-uncle energy.

There were a few older-looking gentlemen who looked just as nervous as I was. Then there were a few who were practically undressing me with their eyes.

I thought, “Oh my God... don't look at me.”

I Sashayed my way to the bar, the bartender asked, “Are you enjoying the night?”

I replied, “The drinks are good.” 

The question is, 'Did i find someone?'... No.

I'd pretty much accepted the fact that I might be alone for the rest of my life.

But that didn't stop me trying.

Then I met someone who completely caught me off guard.

Did I mention my thoughts on online dating apps? I hate them!

We chatted online for a while and eventually set up a dinner date.

This man walked around the corner wearing a loud, pink floral shirt. My first thought? “OOOOHHHH NOOOOO!” I laughed to myself, but thankfully, only in my head. He actually liked that shirt. Somehow, that shirt was accidentally lost along the way.

“Oh my Lord... he's as loud and as crazy as I am.”

His shirt practically screamed: “HERE I AM!” 

Then he started talking.

And he had the sweetest, deepest, dreamiest voice.

“Hi, Mel...”

Argh.

He's handsome. Respectful. He can actually hold a conversation. He's funny. He's intelligent. He has the best hugs. You know that feeling you get when you know you cant let this one go?

That's him, I want him.

Enough about him.

This is about me.

I lassoed me a Cowboy. 🤠

We just clicked.

It'll be a year this November, and we're getting hitched. 👰🏼‍♀️

Who asked?

I DID. 😉

And maybe that's the thing I've learned.

I don't think I want to spend too much time wondering anymore.

These days, I ask myself something else:

What have I got to lose?

Turns out, taking a chance can be a beautiful thing.

What do you think?

Have you ever stepped completely outside your comfort zone and surprised yourself?

I’d love to hear your story.