Dating for the Single Mom
May 17, 2006 by Sasha Manuel
Filed under Relationships
I have friends who are single mothers. I listen to their stories about meeting one jerk after the next and I can’t begin to fathom the disappointment that they may feel about the whole love and dating concept.
It’s funny because as a single, I am having a hard time myself. I never fully understood their situation until I experienced taking care of a toddler. Believe me, I had to take my hat off to all single mothers. It’s a hard job!
A few of the things I realised are the difficulties they face each day. Juggling their career, household chores and taking care of the kid. If we are to add the stress of dating — Gah. I wonder where they’d get the energy!
However, I’m glad for one friend of mine who happened to have found a great guy. She has a 7 year-old boy and now, she’s dating a guy who loves her to bits and her boy, too. It didn’t come easy for her. She met guys who were either just interested in a quick lay, a trophy or a plaything — those wankers. So, when she came to me one day and told me that she has finally met a guy who makes her smile, treats her like a princess, and genuinely loves her, I was so happy for her. Finally, a smart guy. 
Of course, it’s not happily ever after yet. I’m continuing to pray that things work out between them. For now, I’m happy that she’s experiencing the kind of love she deserves. And making memories that will enrich her life.
I’ve faced many challenges in my day, but I have to say being a single mother dating was the toughest.
There were times I was disappointed and there were times my kids AND I were disappointed and hurt deeply.
Thank God we found the love of one man who has become a great bonus parent to my kids and the best friend I could ever want.
I can’t say it wasn’t worth it – because the end result was amazing. But everyone should realize that being a single parent (especially when they are the custodial parent) has some very unique challenges. So go easy on them
And certainly anyone who dates them — don’t waste their precious and rare free time.
I’m shocked… genuinely shocked… Sasha… you’re single? Not possible. You’re a beautiful, intelligent and ambitious young woman. I don’t understand it. If you didn’t live several thousand miles away from me then I’d be doing my best to get a chance to take you out for a night. Sure, we might disagree on cricket from time to time, but playfights can be fun!
P.S. Best wishes to your friend… I’m jealous (but happy for her)…
That’s one story I’d love to tell my friends who are single parents, Gayla. I’m sure they’ll find comfort in the knowledge that hoping may disappoint you sometimes but getting what you’ve hoped for will be well worth the wait.
Hahaha. You’re funny, Matt.
Thanks for the kind words but please — imagine a night filled with cricket squabbles. How romantic! 
Thanks. I’ll make sure to pass the message. Hey — jealous? Does that mean you’re single? Hehehe.
Lol, thanks. And yes, I’m about as single as they get… I wouldn’t have been flirting with you otherwise!
If you ever happen to find yourself in the Channel Islands… :p
Gah. And he admits to flirting with me, people! Hahaha. You play an agressive game, mister.
Uh — where is the Channel Islands?
And yet I don’t see you telling me to stop?
(I like the more aggressive game… I’m getting too old to mince words :p).
(That’s not to say I don’t enjoy a little mystery and intrigue now and then…
)
The Channel Islands are somewhere in between France and England…
Ha. Don’t flatter yourself. :p
Anyway, 26 is not THAT old.
Good. Now that I know where it is, I’ll make sure NOT to go there. Hehehe. Do they call you Fretish? [a puny attempt at a joke. Bleh.] I wonder how a European Islander looks like. Hahaha. Okay — I’m shutting up now.
thanks for the post, sweetie.
you can’t believe how happy i am right now. makes up for those four years i was swimming in the murkiness of the dating pool. no regrets, though, as it brought me to where i am right now.
and you’re right: it’s not happily ever after yet… but you won’t believe at what he’s been hinting at!
OMIGOD! NO! You’re right, I can’t believe it! Not that it’s impossible okay?
But I’m sooo stoked if it’s true! I mean — we ARE thinking the same thing, right? Glass slippers?
Again.. OMIGOD!