Being Single

Re-Inventing Elle

Commence means “to begin:start” (thanks dictionary.com).  I had my fourth commencement ceremony almost two months ago.  And while it was a very joyous occasion, after all of the pomp and circumstance (see what I did there???) was over, I felt like something was missing.  I was asking myself, “What’s next?” And if I can be honest with you all, I was a little disappointed.  I had this great plan that once I finished, I would get promoted and begin a new sojourn professionally.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  So I felt lost, alone, and somewhat empty.  We all know that commencement ceremonies not only show an end to studies but they are also to serve as a beginning of something new.  And with my not getting my promotion as soon as I would like, for me, I felt like there was nothing new for me to do.  Not only did I no longer have to read books or write papers or do group work (thank GOD!) but I felt as if I didn’t have anything new to look forward to, either.  And that was very disheartening.

After I got over my little pity party, I had to do what I tell my students-come up with a Plan B. So that’s what I did.  Just because I didn’t see the promotion I wanted at this particular time didn’t mean it was never going to come.  So I created a plan to better myself so that I can be ready when the time comes for me again to apply for a promotion.  In addition to getting myself ready professionally, I knew there were some other changes I wanted to make personally.  I’m eating better (yes, even during the summertime with all these cookouts and trips), I’m getting more exercise, and I decided to change my hair, which for me is really nothing new.  But the change I’m seeking will be a little more permanent than my previous changes.  I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Additionally, for me, especially growing up, it was important to me that people liked me.  And I hate confrontation/arguments, so I would say “Yes” to a lot of things that I didn’t really want to.  Or not speak when I didn’t like something because I hate dissension.  Welp, the new Elle is speaking up more, being more assertive, and making sure that I take care of No. 1 first! I have to protect myself and my feelings (no one else will).  And if that includes telling people “No” or doing things for me, then so be it.  Will people be mad?  Probably.  Do I care?  Not really.  Just as others put themselves first, I MUST start doing the same!

Oh, and my love life??? Meh, but of course old flames start rising again during summer time (I’ve had two old beaus reach out within the last two weeks).  We’ll see what happens, but if I can be honest, I’m trying to live a Hot Girl Summer!  And I think you should, too!

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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2018 Has Been a Year

It has been almost a year since I’ve blogged.  I’ve stopped, well slowed down, for a number of reasons.  One, my job.  I’ve had this job for 4 years, and I love it.  And apparently I’ve been doing a great job, because my supervisor keeps adding on and giving me more responsibility each year.  -_- Second, I’m in graduate school.  The extra time I had is now consumed by reading and writing papers.  Thankfully, I only have one more year to go. Woo-hoo!  Come on May 2019!  Third, I’m also an advisor for my sorority at a local university.  I love it.  It’s a lot of work, but I love my younger sorors and helping them do the work of and learn all about our beloved sisterhood.

Also, 2018 has seen me take my 2nd international trip!  Once my Internship for the summer was complete, I took a 5 day cruise with some friends.  I had a ball!  It was a great trip, I got a tan, and I brought back some alcohol! 🙂

2018 also had the appearance of an old beau.  Someone I dated many moons ago (before Southern Mom passed) reached out, said he was going to be on the East Coast and said that he wanted to see me.  We hung out one weekend, and aside from one minor spat, everything went well.  But now I am regretting that decision.  Just when I think things may start working out in my love life, that’s when sh*t hits the fan, and then I decide that I’m never going to find someone because all the men I meet are jerks.  Or something to that effect.

In any event, I’m in the part of the cycle where I’m over men.  I think I should just stop doing this to myself. Especially since I have so many positive things going on in my life right now.  And honestly, I feel great about everything in my life, except I am not satisfied with being single.  Don’t get me wrong, I would definitely rather be single that be in a toxic relationship; however, it can’t be that hard to find someone that wants what I want and wants me and I want him.  But apparently it is because here I am.

In any event, I’m back at the point where I’m focusing on me.  Which is sort of ironic since about this time last year I was in this same place.  Ah well, such is life.

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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You’re Bad For My Spirit

The older I have gotten, I have realized that, in dealing with the opposite sex, that it is of the utmost importance to take care of yourself first.  Not your man.  Not your woman. No one else but you. YOU.  If you allow them, people will suck the life out of you and take all of  you.  Why?  Because people are selfish as f*ck.

About two years ago, I met a guy (I’m sure I’ve referenced him here before; I just don’t feel like going back and linking previous posts) at an alumni event.  The first year passed without much incident. That second year…. We went on dates, we hung out, we laughed, things were good. Until they weren’t.  The last time he and I spoke in August, I told him that we should make a clean break, and if we see each other in the street, we say “What’s up?” and keep it moving.

Earlier this week, my phone rings.  I think it’s my eye doctor, so I answer. It’s this dude. (Huh????) He says he’s calling to find out if I’m going to a football game our alma mater is having later this month and that I crossed his mind and he thought about me.  I asked him if he remembered our last conversation, to which he replied yes.  This is then how the conversation went:

Me: If you remembered then I don’t think you would be calling me. 

Him: Why do you say that? 

Me: Because I told you that we should make a clean break.  But here you are calling me after three months.  A few weeks after our conversation, I told a friend of mine about you, and she was playing devil’s advocate.  She thought that maybe I should give you the benefit of the doubt and that I didn’t make myself clear with what I wanted while we were dealing with each other.  

Him: OK.

Me: So that there is no confusion, I don’t like talking to you.  You’re bad for my spirit.

Him: Oh, that’s cryptic. 

Me: How so?  

Him: Uhhhhh…

Me: If you don’t understand, say so so that I can explain it to you. 

Him: I don’t understand. 

Me: Then I’ll explain it to you.  I’m in my 30s. I’m passed the point in my life where I’m dating just to date.   And I’m done going back and forth with you.  Over the past two years, it’s been up and down and sometimes we’re dating and sometimes we’re not. So we just need to cut our losses and keep it moving. 

Him: Ok.

Me: So, again, so that I can make it clear, I don’t want to be your friend.  You keep popping back up in my life and I’ve got way too much going on to try to figure out what you want from me every few months.  So you have fun with whatever you’re doing tonight, tomorrow, whenever. Bye.

Today, this post is for ladies in general.  Single ladies in particular. Those single ladies that have had to deal with men that take us for granted.  Those men that feel they can play with our emotions.  Those men that are sometime-y.  Those men that are non-committal. Those men that feel like they can treat us any ol’ type of way.  And think that we are going to stay around to put up with it. Take back yourself, ladies. Take back your strength. Take back your independence. Take back your courage. And let these men know that we’re not putting up with their sh*t anymore.  We deserve better.  And these boys that think they’re men are going to continue to treat us this way if we allow it.  So demand better.  Treat yourself better.  You deserve it.  Don’t let these boys mess with your spirit; they’re not worth it.

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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Companion: Requested 

This weekend I hung out with a sorority sister of mine that I have not seen in AGES!  It was to the point that she had me paranoid and thinking I had done something to her because it had been so long since we’ve seen each other. She’s a few years younger than me and is engaged. I love her and her fiancée and their relationship.  They have the same goals and he has helped her realize some of her dreams.

As it typically goes when I catch up with a girlfriend that I haven’t seen in a long time, she asked me the predictable question-“So, are you seeing anyone?” Surprisingly Sadly Fortunately Hell, I just told her “no”.  After running down the last few guys that had my attention within the past year, I told her that “I really just want a partner. A companion. I don’t need a guy to spend money on me or buy me a house or get me things.  I can do that myself. I want a man who can be my support, someone that I can depend on, and who can be there during the rough times.  And I want to be the same for him.  And at the end of the day, we pool our resources together to get a bigger house and more resources to raise our family.  It would be  so much easier if guys got that.”

Her response? “Elle, that’s the perfect description of what a relationship is. (The companion piece)”

So, to the single men reading this, that’s really what women want. Well, that’s what this woman wants.  Sure, we need to date and communicate and do things together. And yes, I would love to get “just because” flowers or get taken out for a night out or just do something with just the two of us. But when it’s all said and done-you need to be working on making me a life partner.  The end.

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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“You’ve Got a Great Personality!”

These are the words that were spoken to me yesterday by a co-worker before she stated she couldn’t understand why I’m still single.  I love her to life, she’s funny, and we play off of each other ALL DAY.  But almost of the blue yesterday, she made mention that she was talking to her husband (lovely man) about me this past weekend during their discussion of relationships.

But in addition to my having a “great personality”, apparently I’m too picky.  These words are like hearing, “You’re pretty-for a big girl.”  I immediately responded and told her that I’m not picky-I’m selective, and I’m not going to be a relationship with someone just because.  My last ex-boyfriend (I used that word VERY loosely) couldn’t understand that (that’s why he’s an ex), but maybe my co-worker will.  Not that it’s really any of her business.  I know she means well, but I’ve (somewhat) gotten to a place where I am truly happy working on Elle and am ok with being single.

Sure there are days where I desire the love and affection of a mate.  But I’m not willing to compromise myself to get it.  And just because I’m in my 30s doesn’t mean I’m going to start accepting any old thing that comes my way because I feel like time is running out.  When things like that happen, we make our situations MUCH worse.  And at times we end of not only disrupting our lives but also the lives of others.

So, in short, if you know someone who is single, just let them live.  If they are interested in you searching for someone for them or want to discuss their love life (or lack thereof), they’ll let you know.

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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