500 Words…Again.

So I decided I would make a go of the dating app again.

For those of you who think this is fast, remember, I had my doubts long before the actual break-up…and as John Wayne would say, “We’re burning daylight.”

I lived single for five years after Kramer died. I lived 17 months dating. I prefer dating.

In full disclosure, Arnie and I did try to make a brief go of it again, and it didn’t work. Some of you might have guessed that. It was time for something new.

Everyone says I have such a lovely family. Enjoy them and don’t bother dating. The reason I have a lovely family who likes me is that I don’t hone in on their parade. I let them do their own things, and I don’t push myself in as a third wheel. I know if there isn’t someone in my life, then I’d do that. Having my own things and my own life makes it easy to give them some space. Besides…you see my family. We see each other enough as it is…and point blank honest, I want someone in my life.

Another reason…I like having someone my own age (or close) in my life. I love having someone who “gets aches and pains”. I love sharing favorite songs from when we were in high school. I love talking about siblings…or parents or pet dogs. I love getting to know someone and sharing life experiences. I love seeing others enthusiastic about things they are passionate about. I like learning about the things they like to do. I wanted to have that again.

I also know some people will be concerned about my cancer. I plan to still take care of myself. I plan to be upfront about it. That would limit my dating pool, but that’s okay. If the right one is there…he’s there, and if not, I’m okay with that. I played with the app a little and added this disclosure.

If anyone ended up interested, my plan was to explain more about my cancer. This is enough to start a conversation and chase many away.

So I went back to choosing a dating app…There are so many. I decided to try the Facebook dating app first. It’s free…plus I don’t know which other one I would try.

I rewrote my dating profile…a person gets 500 characters to do that. This is what I had:

I’m a simple gal who enjoys simple things. I lived life as a farm wife until I lost my spouse to cancer 7 years ago. My kids are grown and have babies of their own. I enjoy trying new cooking or baking recipes. I love watching WNBA and college basketball. Playing cards is a favorite pastime. I’m crafty, love live music, and antiques. If a date includes a burger at a dive bar or a thrift store run, I’m all in. I love my life, but would be even happier if I found someone to share it with.

That is 499 characters.

It took a TON of tweaking!!

I put that out there and decided I wouldn’t watch the app much. I would check it once a day or so. I wouldn’t actively try to find anyone. If someone liked me, then I was sure they saw my cancer disclosure, and I would consider them.

Well, surprise, surprise! Someone liked me and started talking to me right away. He was from southern Iowa. It was really a little far, but it was fun chatting. He seemed great. He was headed out east to visit family, and we tentatively decided we’d meet when he got back. He would likely be gone for three weeks.

I pretty much quit watching the app. I was content to chat with this guy. I would occasionally exchange messages with the southern Iowa guy, but we had changed to using Messenger so we could exchange photos.

Then one day, I flipped over to the dating app. I hadn’t looked at it for about a week. Unknown to me, someone local to me had requested to be friends. He lived in the neighboring town about 20 minutes away.

We started chatting and yes…we’ve been on a couple of dates. I’ve very much enjoyed myself…and I believe he has too.

I have since talked to the southern Iowa guy and told him I was testing the water with the local guy. He understood and asked me to contact him should the local guy not work out.

I’m not going to say a lot more than that for a while. Local guy and I deserve a little privacy to see if we want to spend more time together. For now, I can say he is checking off many of the boxes I had on my list. This weekend we’re firing up the smoker and cooking together. Cooking together was a thing on my list of things I would like to do…and better yet, he is excited about it and found the recipe. Fingers crossed this guy is a good match for me. Just know I’m happy…and very excited…and hopeful. If it doesn’t work out, it’s okay. We’re having fun for now. Currently, all I’m worried about is the present.

I’m still in shock that he’s okay with my cancer. (and yes, I’m being careful. I know there are people out there who would take advantage)

Yahoo!! How refreshing to know my dating life isn’t over!! To say I’m a little giddy is an understatement. I really thought I had lost that when the latest cancer news came.