No?  Me neither, but then Christina, over at Solomother clued me in with her post, It’s National Singles Week… how will you celebrate yourself?  

Unsure what National Singles Week is?  Well as explained by the SFGate in Celebrating the single-minded life;

There are 92 million unmarried Americans, and this is their week.

Since the 1980s, the third full week of September has been National Singles Week. Started by Ohio’s Buckeye Singles Council as a way to recognize the role singles play in society, it is now known as National Unmarried and Single Americans Week. According to the U.S. census, the adjusted name acknowledges that many unmarried Americans do not identify with the word “single” because they have partners or are widowed.

Part of the focus of National Singles Week is to change negative stereotypes about singles.  The article at SFGate mentions rights for unmarried life partners, health insurance, voting and public policies – a different view than the idea that people are unmarried by default, because they can’t find someone to couple up with. 

Post from: Blisstree

National Unmarried and Singles Week

First, I want to say just how much I admire Eathen for having the courage to share such personal experiences with the world.

This happens to be one of those “issues” I’m ignorant to, but am completely captivated by and will be looking forward to learning through the personal experiences of Eathen.

While I have my own solid preferences when it comes to interracial relationships, that’s just saying it’s not right for me – but for those who can withstand the harsh realities of the world, I say more power to them.

Thus far, Eathen has maintained a bit of anonymity by not sharing his photo, however, on June 30th that may just change when Eathen plans to reveal his true identity.

Talk about a cliffhanger!

Post from: Blisstree

Chronicles of an Interracial Dater

I have to admit that I’m impressed that he took it upon himself to share his thoughts on the matter, no matter how introspective it is, cuz it highlighted certain points in a person’s status, personality and emotions that wouldn’t really consider in the first place.

Reading his post led me to ask these questions, “How do you define The Dip?”; “What are the indicators that you are in The Dip?”; “How do you relate it to relationships?”

Mikey shared, “This “Dip” that I speak of is the fact that I feel that as if, right now, I have peaked. I am as marry-able as I’m ever going to get. In fact, forget “peaking” as I think I’ve passed my peak years ago. Right now, my life is on a downward slide that will ultimately end in a mail-to-order bride, annulment, severe alcoholism and drug addiction, murder and fire. I seriously do not see myself changing for the better in any aspect from here on.”

Does it mean that you’ll know that you’re in ‘The Dip’ phase when you can say you’ve peaked in certain aspects of your life, which helps determine your “marry-ability”?

A ‘Dip’ is a situation wherein you find yourself in which can be classified as a ‘temporary setback that will get better if you keep pushing’. This is compared against a ‘Cul-de-Sac’ which refers to a situation that will ‘never get better, no matter how hard you try’. (Source)

Of course, he’s referring to the concept that Seth Godin has developed in a book with a similar title. The book’s tagline will give you gist of what it’s about — “A little book that teaches you when to quit and when to stick.” This gave me an idea on how this idea can be applied to people and relationships.

So now this leaves me to wonder, how will a person know if he or she is in already ‘The Dip’? Well, IMHO, I reckon this means an individual should look within himself or herself and judge. If we’ve set a certain goal for ourselves to reach in order to gauge our marry-ability, we’ll be able to see whether or not we’re ready. Do we need a fat bank account? Or set up our own business? Or earning $100,000.00 annual income? Willingness to settle down? Believe in monogamy? It all depends on the criteria we’ve set for ourselves.

I guess thinking about these things will save us from sticking in a relationship that we think will give us what we need. We’ll know if it’s necessary to bail in a more rational way. Take it from Mikey, it helped him get to a decision about his stand when it comes to marriage, which will eventually help his own relationship.

Post from: Blisstree

Dating, Marriage and ‘The Dip’

Oh to be 20-something again! She’s got the bull by the horns and she doesn’t even know it!

Give It 2 Muah is a journal written by a gal who has been ’single’ again for nearly 2 months and has taken her life lessons to the internet.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes not, but regardless, you’ll be captivated by the journey of Katia.

Tags: single blog, single blogger, journal, breaking up, 20 something

Post from: Blisstree

She’s 20, Smart, Sexy and Single

Here’s an excerpt from the post to give you a better idea of what to expect:

For example, this Monday, they were discussing marrying and breaking up and age. One of the morning sidekicks (I dub him), NotMetrosexual was saying how he had gone to a wedding during his vacation the past week with his girlfriend. It was her best friend (the groom) who was getting married. She lives in the area of the wedding (not in DC) and is on a contract that will be ending soon, and she mentioned that she would need to find a new contract, so that she’s not out of work. The conversation progressed to the point where NotMetrosexual asked his girlfriend to come and move in with him. It then moved even further with them both agreeing that they might be the one for each other. The next logical step would be happy hearts and shiny faces all around, right…wrong. At the end of the day this couple was no more. The reason, they thought they were too young and hadn’t sown enough wild oats.

NotSamantha also mentions the danger that the society is heading for the direction of an “instant gratification” preference.

No one wants to work at relationships anymore. If things don’t work out, it’s easier to just move on. I’m seeing it more and more in everyday things as well. Don’t like your job, no problem, you can find a new one tomorrow. Angry with your friends, don’t try and fix the problem just ignore it and them and it will all go away. Don’t want to parent your children, that’s easy just turn the tv on and instant babysitter.

This is something that we ought to really consider. Relationships are a big deal and are integral to our every day life. I suggest that you read the post, ‘Youth is wasted on the young’ and you’ll understand how important it is for you to learn that, in relationships, you really have to work at it — perseveringly. That’s how having a commitment works.

Post from: Blisstree

Relationships: You Have To Work At It

Tucker Max is the author of his—fittingly narcissistic—self-titled website, where he has published over 80 very detailed stories about his ridiculous sex soirées. This guy is a true work of art. He published this disclaimer:

“If you are a reasonably intelligent female, it should be obvious that you don’t want to date me. I am shallow, narcissistic, self-absorbed, and insufferably arrogant. I have no desire to commit to anything beyond a cell phone contract. At any given time, I am fucking multiple women, and will not give up that sexual freedom for a partner.”

Personally I can’t imagine ANYONE wanting to date such an a$$ but obviously he’s had quite a bit of success.

Would you date him?

Post from: Blisstree

Are You an A$$hole Magnet?

A good friend of mine tips us on certain *romantic* places you can take you date to — with emphasis on putting an element of surprise in the plan. Of course, this only applies to singles who are currently staying or living in Manila, Philippines.

Markku Seguerra is a programmer-slash-photographer who is currently single and, quite possibly, in love. That’s probably why he’s able to write a post on five special and romantic places you can take your date to. He’s most likely wishing that he could take his lady friend (someone he’s crushing on) on the said date venues — surprise dates nonetheless.

Without further ado, let me list his suggested places:

1. Moomba (Mother Ignacia St. corner Roces Ave.)
2. Dencio’s (Ayala Heights, Balara)
3. Chocolate Kiss (Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines, Diliman)
4. Starbuck’s (Tagaytay)
5. Boracay (Boracay Island, Philippines)

I recommend that you hop on over Markku’s blog at rebelpixel.com and check out his personal thoughts on these places.

Ladies, don’t you find it adorable that there are actually single guys out there as romantic as this guy is? I do.

Post from: Blisstree

Surprise Date Spot Ideas for Manila-based Singles

Hmmm…

Again.

Hmmm…

I can’t say I agree but who am I to challenge a real-life observation, huh? I can only offer my own personal opinion regarding the matter and let Sorsi take care of the rest. But first let us highlight how she defined “good girl”

“…an equally conservative girl. You know, the type who has neat hair (all the time! Whereas I’ve had bad hair days all my life!), a nice smile, who doesn’t laugh too loud, who puts her hand over her chest when she leans forward (as opposed to showing cleavage), who says “I didn’t get that” when someone says a green joke (as opposed to always being the first one to get a green joke, or the source of the joke), who has that sweet disposition (instead of a PMS-al disposition), who is a girly-girl (and not ‘one of the boys’)….in short, the girl boys proudly bring home to their momma.”

First off, I don’t believe just because you’re conservative, you’re “good”. I guess, you have to elaborate on what kind of good we are talking about here. Don’t you agree?

But more importantly, sweetie, here’s what I think. You ARE good. You may not be perfect but who is, right? Despite your scandalous interests, and the candid and liberal manner you conduct yourself in public or in private, I believe you deserve and WILL get a good man.

I don’t think those ideals were set by a heart that’s not good, wouldn’t you agree? For all you know, someone else sees you as his ideal. What can you say to that?

Dear readers, Sorsi came up with a Good Girl transformation plan, seeing that the type seems to get the good guys. What do you guys think? Perhaps you can take a shot or two in giving her an advice. Do let us know!

Post from: Blisstree

To get a good guy, be a good girl

First up -

Sometimes in my Head – J’s girlfriend shares firsthand, what it’s like to play Florence Nightingale to the broken spirits or emotions of men. She spends her time journaling the lives of she and her live-in boyfriend. While reading through what portions of her blog I did, J’s girlfriend revealed so much about herself that I found myself actually feeling her pain. This is truly a blog that many women who spend their nights laying next to a man they hope will one day love them – can relate to.

Dating with Children – with divorce being on the rise and as a former single mother of two, I can related to the ramblings and reflections of Jill. This poor woman has four kids. How she manages to have a social life is beyond me, but she provides a great source of reading entertainment that any single mother can relate to.

Equal opportunity tipping -

Single Christian Dad reads as a form of therapy and soul searching for Steve who asks “How do you share the one thing you cherish most with the one person you care for the least?” Since it’s most common for women to express their emotions through writing and reaching out for support, this is a rare opportunity to get a glimpse inside the mind and heart of a single father.

I’d love to hear what you think about the whole blog tipping idea here on Dating Dames. I thought it might be a fun way to shine a little light on some of our single blogging friends from time-to-time.

Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Dating Dames and Blog Tipping

A couple of years ago, I began urging single bloggers to utilize their blogs as tools to invite other singles to get to know them on a more personal and much deeper level than the person that was captured in a quick personals profile.

It seems a few others had the same idea!

The marketing for this site should be relatively easy and could really take off if they plan and play their cards just right!

Check it out!  They’re calling all Lonelybloggers and it’s free!

Post from: Blisstree

Lonely Bloggers Personals