Day 9: Your favorite “weird/funny single behavior” – Anything you do that is uniquely YOU and that living alone allows you to do

Day 9:      Your favorite “weird/funny single behavior” – Anything you do that is uniquely YOU and that living alone allows you to do (For example, I sometimes dance around the house with my cat to Frank Sinatra)

I have my kids 24/7, I don't get the chance to walk around in my chonies very often... If I were alone I would be walking around naked and sleeping in the nude.  If I were in a relationship, I would be doing the same thing.

The only thing that I do, that I may not do if I were in a relationship is stay in my pajamas all day on Sundays.  It's my only day off, where I don't have to take my kids anywhere or do anything.  If I need to go to the grocery store, I will drag my feet until the late afternoon.  I'm also kind of messy.  I am not very domestic at all.  I would rather do anything than clean or cook.  If it wasn't for my kids, I would rarely cook for myself.  I would survive on cereal and salad and water and coffee.  My mother would often say to my boyfriends, when I was a teenager, "I hope you will be rich because you are going to need a maid and a cook."  Don't get me wrong, I actually do enjoy cooking now.  I've come a long way from my fear of the kitchen.  Actually, it wasn't fear rather more like loathing of the kitchen.  I also would feel the pressure of having to please whomever I cooked for.  I have have come a long way from the loathing.  Again, I do enjoy it but given the choice of cooking or eating out, I'd eat out.  I would rather be served than having to make a mess in my kitchen and having to take time away from my relaxing and general laziness.  I always say, "Of all the Goddess' I embody, the domestic Goddess is not one of them."  

I also talk to myself when I'm alone.  I just kind of say things aloud and make statements.  I talk to the plants and flowers and trees and the birds that I come in contact with.  I would probably still do the same thing if I were with someone.  I'm sure they would find it cute and endearing. 

I sleep with a stuffed Stormtrooper.  I wouldn't mind cuddling up with a real one but in the mean time, he will suffice.  If I had a boyfriend, I honestly giggle at the sound of that, I would leave my stuffed Stormtrooper on my bed and when my boyfriend is over Lil Stormtrooper would be sitting on my nightstand keeping guard while we sleep.  

I am who I am.  Love me or don't.  I'm sure our personal behaviors change a bit when we are in relationships but I would hope that we as humans are true to our Selves.  If the people we date really love us, they will accept us wholeheartedly, flaws, quirks and all.  
In the words of Popeye the Sailor, "I yam what I yam and tha's all what I yam." 

Day 8: Five things that are most important to you in a future mate

Day 8:      Five things that are most important to you in a future mate

The top five qualities in my future mate?  That's a tough one.  So many qualities are running through my mind.  A good friend of mine had me compose a list of the qualities I want the most.  The page is full from front to back.  

1._  He must be humble, sweet, patient and kind but have a back bone.  It's important that he be grounded and a good person.  He should treat people with appreciation, consideration and respect.  Kindness doesn't mean letting folks take advantage of you.  That to me is veritably  important.  He carries himself with pride but doesn't flaunt it.  

2._  He must have strong family values and ideals.  Family is important to me.  They are supportive emotionally and physically.  I would prefer that he have children of his own, for he would have a better understanding of my life with my own children.  He must be present in their lives and provide for them, as a responsible parent should be doing.  How a person treats their family, friends and strangers says a lot about how their character and how I will be treated.  He must also welcome my children in his life and heart as I would his.  I would expect him to respect how I raise them as I would respect his.  Of course, we should always be open for suggestions and advice.  

3._  He must be financially responsible.  I am not looking for a sugar daddy or someone who makes lots of money.  I just want someone who works hard and earns his keep.  I believe that dedication and hard work pays off in many ways, not just monetarily.  It show that we are committed and passionate about our work and our lives.  I understand that we don't always love what we do for a living and I believe we shouldn't settle for the sake of stability.  

4._  He must have a good sense of humor and be optimistic.  I love to laugh and giggle and just be happy.  I tend to always look on the bright side.  I am an introvert, so I'm not all over the place.  I would like him to be slightly introverted as well.  I believe it's a great to keep our inner child alive and active.  Life is to short to be grumpy all the time and negative about things that are out of our control.  I'm not saying I'm constantly positive but let's be open minded about the endless possibilities that we may encounter on this lifelong journey of ours.

5._  He must be loving, emotionally present and vulnerable.  I want my future mate to be secure enough in his own manhood to shower me with affection.  I'm not saying I want to be smothered and worshipped... Well, I do consider myself to being a Goddess, so worshipping would be kind of awesome. LOL!  Being vulnerable doesn't mean being weak.  It means being emotionally open to what may be.  I want to be able to hold hands and hug and be loving and vice versa.  I want to be able to openly communicate my feelings and have him share his innermost thoughts and dreams and feelings without hesitation.

I have read that the qualities we look for in our potential mates reflect our own qualities.  I believe in the power of attraction.  I would hope that I attract someone who has similar qualities as my own.  Of course, there are many other character traits that I am looking for.  These are just the tip of the iceberg.  

Day 7: Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point

Day 7:      Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point

I am currently living in my grandmother's house with my two kids.  My grandmother doesn't live here.  We are staying here until the house sells, which I hope isn't for a very long time.  

When my ex and I split up five years ago, I moved back home with my folks.  I figured it would be 6 months to a year before the kids and I could move out.  Well, then the economy took a crapper... Needless to say, I stayed with my folks longer than anticipated.

My kids and I have shared a bedroom for four years.  It sounds sad and crowded but I have to be honest.  It was really good for us.  My kids were pretty traumatized when their father and I split up and to make life even more stressful, we moved in with grandma and grandpa.  The entire household was kind of up in arms.  Don't get me wrong, we were welcome with open arms.  We get along well for the most part.

My folks don't always agree with my parenting skills.  Everyone in my family is pretty opinionated about how I am raising my kids.  They didn't like that I kept them at their school and we have to commute every day.  I didn't want to yank them from their school and friends.  In hindsight, we all know I made the right decision.  The first two years were pretty hard emotionally, physically and mentally.  My kids had to work through a lot of stuff.

I am a self-employed hairstylist.  I have been working at the same place for seventeen years.  I don't make a lot of money.  I love what I do, truly I do.  I love my coworkers and my clients.  I love that I can make my own schedule, which makes it easy for a single mom with busy kids.  It makes it hard also because I need to work and make money.  It's a double edged sword.

I thought my life would be so different.  I had a bit of a melt down when I turned forty, two years ago.  I don't have any issues with getting older.  I plan to live a long ass blessed life.  I was disappointed in my lack of accomplishments.  I know that I have two beautiful children that I am raising.  I helped raise two gorgeous sons as well.  I have a loving family both by blood and by "marriage" and by friendship.  What I am bummed out about, is that I am not financially successful and I have never been married and that I don't own a home.  I know I am not alone in my situation.  There are many folks in the same situation or worse.  I thought that my life would have been so different.

It did a lot of soul searching and reflecting on my life, up until then.  When I saw how hard my life was and how much happier I am now, I just let it go.  I journaled about my thirties.  I thought they were so fabulous.  I tend to be an optimistic about life.  I block out as much negativity as I can.  My ex was so abusive and his mood swings were so hard to deal with.  I had my kids and my work to keep me going.  It was easy to not focus on that yucky part of my life.  I would dream of winning the lottery or him leaving (That one came true.) and being rescued by a knight in shining armor. (Here's hoping.)

I believe I am where I am supposed to be.  It was a tough way to learn but I am grateful for my relationship with my ex.  I wouldn't wish it upon anybody.  He taught me what not to want in a man.  He taught me not to depend on a man solely.  I now know what a healthy, open and loving relationship is.  Not because I have experienced it personally but because I have seen successful relationships.  I want that.

All I ever wanted was to find my life mate and live happily ever after with our family...  I got a decade and a half worths of life lessons.  I was a naive and ignorant little girl who wanted to be taken care of.  I learned to be self sufficient.  I learned to be responsible and how to take care of not only myself but to take care of my family.

I may not be wealthy with money but I am beyond rich with knowledge and love.  I have something that money can never buy.  Yes, life would be a whole lot easier if I had a college degree, a successful career and money in the bank but would I still be as enlightened and empowered as I am now?  My struggles have made me a very strong woman and I consider myself to being extremely successful.  I know my time is coming.  I am a very patient woman.  In the mean time, I will enjoy my life and what it has to offer me.

Day 6: Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”

Day 6:     Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”

I actually agree with this quote.  I believe in the power of attraction.  The definition of the Law of Attraction simply says that you attract into your life whatever you think about. Your dominant thoughts will find a way to manifest. But theLaw of Attraction gives rise to some tough questions that don't seem to have good answers.  I got the defintion off of Google, fyi.

I consider myself to be an awakened and enlightend being.  I don't radiate as strongly as I would like but I am a work in progress.  

In my five years of being single and coming from an abusive relationship with my children's father, I have had my fill of interactions with men who tried to date me or have dated me.  I was a damaged soul.  I knew I didn't want to jump into a new relationship right away.  I did want to go out and just hang out, or so I thought.   Well, let me tell you what an experience dating in this day an age has been for me. 

When I decided that I would sign up for a dating site or two or three...  Later on I learned that most folks are on the same sites.  At the time, I thought well, this should be easy enough.  My first profile was a biography of what I didn't want.  I tried putting some positive stuff in there.  I got criticized for what I wrote by one guy.  He chewed me out for whatever I wrote.  I rebutted and then he called me a cow and blocked me.  I revised my profile and revised it and revised it, numerous times.  I made it as positive as possible.  

I also checked the boxes for casual dating and short term relationships and friends.  I didn't realize that was code for "casual sex".  I revised it and checked the boxes for long term relationship and wanting to get married... It didn't help.  

I hooked up with a couple of guys.  I dated a few guys.  I chatted with numerous guys.  At first I thought, "Is this how dating is nowadays?"  I hadn't dated since the late 90's.  I'll admit that being pursued by these fellas felt good.  It had been a very long time since I had caught someones attention.  Only a handful of guys wanted to meet for coffee.  Two guys actually took me out to eat a couple of times.  Yet, I wasn't what they were looking for, for a long term relationship.  I was a great catch for sex though.  To bad I wasn't interested in just sex.

I'll admit that I gave myself away more than I should have.  I thought, well if this guy is interested in me, why not?  But it never panned out to be more.  They got what they wanted.  I didn't feel great about myself.  I just wanted to be loved but I didn't want the commitment because I was afraid of being hurt again.  I have kids, I don't need to drag them through another failed relationship.  Actually, I don't every introduce my kids to anyone I date.  I don't want them to think that I'm some floozy who has a revolving door of guys walking in and out of our lives.  

It finally dawned on my that I was attracting all of these types of guys because I wasn't feeling like I deserved a good guy.  I didn't treat myself with the respect and love I deserve.  I didn't feel worthy of their love and affection.  I wanted a relationship at arms distance.  I wanted the rush of just hooking up and leaving.  Well, you know what happens when you come down from that high.  I crashed and felt like shit.  I kicked myself in the ass for letting myself get taken advantage of.  I was ashamed of myself...

And yet I would ask myself, "Why not me?"  "Why am I not good enough?"  "What's wrong with me?"  When I don't feel like I deserve deep love and am not as self confident in myself as I pretend to be.  

I noticed that I pushed away potential mates by saying, I'm really not available.  I let my fear guide me and my love life.  I am afraid of the unknown.  It's easy to feel physical pleasure but to let that pleasure into my heart and soul??  That's utterly frightening!  

I finally admitted to myself that I was selling myself short.  I am worthy of deep love and affection.  Yes, I am cautious.  I am afraid of getting hurt but I am willing to open myself up to receiving love.  I am no ones booty call, side-bitch (I hate that term), other woman, secret lover, etc...

I just told someone, at the expense of sounding desperate and cheesy, "You treat me like a queen, I will treat you like a king."

Day 5: The biggest misconception you think people have about single life

Day 5:  The biggest misconception you think people have about single life.

Misconception?  Hmmm... I feel like this doesn't apply to me so much, since I am over forty, have had a long term relationship and we happen to have children together.  I've been single for five years now.  I know my self worth, most of the time, and I know what I want in a man.  

Although, now that I am over forty, I suppose I would be considered a cougar.  Out on the prowl, stalking prey because I am in my prime and the fellas my age can't hang with my hotness...  Yeah, no.  I don't much care for boys.  I will only date men who are close to my age.   Believe me when I say, those guys can keep up, if you find the right one.

Also, I should be going out and partying and reliving my youth.  Fortunately for me, I'm a responsible mother and am busy either working or carting my kids here and there.  I'm not much of a drinker.  I don't really enjoy going clubbing or bar hopping.  When I do go out, I enjoy going to bar or lounge and just talking with my friends.  I enjoy just hanging out.  I love go out dancing every now and then.  I am not super exciting when it comes to being single.  Yet, I am always doing something.  It may not be glamorous or super exciting but I truly am loving my life.  

I think if you are single, relish being single.  Get to know yourself.  Love yourself.  Appreciate your alone time.  Being "alone" gives us the opportunity to think and contemplate our lives.  It's not easy reflecting on our past mistakes or worring about the future.  The future isn't here yet and the past has already happened.  Take the lessons you learned and keep moving forward.  There is no wrong way to be single nor is there a right way.  It's just being single.  Why try to label it and make assumptions about it.  Go out and live!!  If someone is telling us how we need to behave, they can suck it.  We all live our lives the best way we know how.  

I must say, that being in my relationship wasn't a picnic.  I know many couples who struggle and I know many who are super happy.  I haven't an inkling of what a perfect relationship should be.  I don't wish my coupled friends were single, unless their relationship is as god awful as mine was.  Then I would offer my support, of course. Why do we need to judge or have expectations of how one should live?  Unless it's our own children, then by all means, please guide, jugde and have your expectations!!!  Why don't we all just mind our own business and worry about ourselves and then maybe, just maybe, we can be stoked and live happy lives!! 
 

Day 4: Your biggest fear as a single person.

Day 4:   Your biggest fear as a single person.

Hmmmm... I guess I'm afraid of never finding my one true love and living happily ever after. I know it sounds childish but underneath this tough girl exterior, *snicker, I am all smooshy and romantical.  I don't expect to have everything be perfect and drama free.  I want a healthy, honest, loving relationship.  

Dating hasn't been the easiest activity I've partaken in.  I had been out of the dating loop for fourteen years.  I tried internet dating and that was so awful.  The guys I encountered never seemed to want to get to know me.  They cut right to the chase and just wanted sex.  It started to affect my self esteem, like is that all I'm worth?  So, I deleted my accounts.  It's kind of hard to meet men the "old fashioned" way.  It's not like I go out to bars and clubs.  I'm a momma for Pete's sake!  I'm so busy working and taking my babies here and there.  The men I do meet, from my children's activities, are happily married or are in relationships.  

I'm a patient woman and I'm not desperate.  I can wait but in the mean time I'd love to just go out to dinner and just hang out with someone.  I have friends that I love dearly and when I can, I definitely hang out with them.  I'm talking about a more intimate relationship.  Someone who wants to cuddle or walk hand in hand.  To get an awesomely big yummy hug from.  Someone I can share my dreams and aspirations with.  Even vent a wee bit, when I've had a hard day... 

*sigh I know that's a lot to ask for.  It seems to me that not to many folks want to be that available or that vulnerable.  It's scary, I know.  I'm so afraid too!  Maybe that's another thing I'm scared of.  Being vulnerable and open and susceptible of getting hurt.  I'm afraid of taking it to the next level and possibly losing that friendship.  What if it doesn't work out?  

Being single isn't scary... Going into a relationship scares the shit out of me!  I failed in my last one, not that it was entirely my fault.  I know what qualities in a man I am looking for.  I am afraid, I may screw it up.  I keep saying this.  I've shared my concerns with my friends and confidants.  They believe in me.  I kind of believe in me.  The strong woman in me can do it but the scared little girl needs reassurance.  I know that we would need to communicate and be open to suggestions.  I just don't want to fall back in to my old patterns of being defensive and afraid to give my opinions. 

I trust myself to find the practically perfect man for me.  I am aware of my bad decisions when it comes to dating.  I know I'm worth it!  Again, I am extremely  patient and am in no great rush.  When the time is right, I don't think I will have any doubt's about going into a relationship. (I hope. Fingers crossed.)

Day 3: Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.

Day 3:  Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.

I am racking my brain on this particular question.  I had to sit and contemplate about a single moment on why being single as really awesome.  It's not like I started going out and partying like I did when I was in my 20's.  I am over forty and have two teenagers.  I get home and I whip off my bra with a grateful sigh, I take off my shoes and put on my fuzzy slippers and sometimes, depending on what I'm wearing, I put on my pj's.  I live a very glamorous life, dontcha know...  Ha!!  I was talking with my friend Moshe this morning about how hard it is for me to go out once I get home from my long day of carting my kids around and work.   

I think the day I remember the most for being an awesome day of being single was July 5, 2010... Nice specific date, right?!

It was the day I became single after a tumultuous  fourteen year relationship with my childrens father.  I guess technically it wasn't that day, but it was the last day of living in the house we shared.  He pretty much stopped coming home eight or nine months prior.  It was great.  He was never present physically, mentally and emotionally, in our relationship and family anyways.  I wasn't even upset that he was having an affair.  I was super stoked that I had the place to myself with my kids.  I had grown accustomed to being on our own.  I learned to just do things on our own.  But there he was always there, somewhere, doing whatever it was.

During those fourteen years of unwedded "bliss" I learned to supress my emotions.  I tried not to cry or to show any vulnerability whatsoever.  Now... I cry just reading a headline.  My son always catches me before.  "Are you going to cry now mom?  Go ahead, let it all out."  I feel like a great big black cloud has been lifted from me.  I'm not saying it's been easy but it's way easier than it was before.

I had made a point of not rushing into another relationship, like many folks do.  I wanted to take the time to heal and grow.  It took about two years to work through my pain.  Yes, even though I was unhappy in that relationship, I mourned it.  I felt like I had failed.  I really wanted my happily ever after.  I am not bitter or angry.  I grew in so many ways during that time.  It was a rollercoaster every single day.  I not only got two beautiful children out of it, I was given two lovely step sons and an entire family of in-laws.  I've always wanted a big family and I got it.  I even consider my step sons mom and her family my in-laws.  LOL!! I love them all dearly.

I really want to experience my happily ever after but I gotta say, being single isn't all that bad.  I now know what I want in a partner.  I now know my self worth.  It took me a long time to get here.  I am a late bloomer and I know my time is coming.  I'm a pretty patient lady and I know that my time will come soon enough.

Day 2: Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked

Day 2:  Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked

I can honestly say that, I am truly ok with being single.  I have two beautiful children that keep me awfully busy.  I have a great group of friends that I hang out with, some in relationships and some single.  I believe that I only ever felt lonely and sad was in my fourteen year relationship with my kids father.  

My boss and friend Saundra has said, you were single even when you were with him.  I learned how to be independent and how to enjoy my own company.  

Holidays don't even get me down.  Although, it would be nice to kiss someone under the mistletoe during the holidays, kiss someone at the stroke of midnight on New Years, maybe even have a Valentine or cuddling with someone while watching a movie, when it's chilly, while watching the sunset, or basically anytime is a good time to cuddle.  Seriously, I really don't mind being single.  I have a stuffed Stormtrooper who I cuddle with every night and yes, I'm a nerdy girl. By the way, cuddling with my kids isn't the same thing.  It's a totally different kind of cuddling.  

If you haven't yet figured it out.  I'm an optimistic, glass half full, hopeful romantic, feet firmly planted on the earth, smart ass.  I try not to dwell on the negative, it's draining and I rather enjoy smiling and being in a good mood.

A couple of years ago, my car broke down.  My kids had to stay with their father because we live quite a distance from their schools.  I had to take the bus to and from work.  I came home and my kids were not with me.  Even with my parents close by, who I see almost daily, I felt so unbelievably lonely.  I had lots of time on my hands.  I didn't hang out with my friends.  I just kind of sank into a sort of depression.  I was so aware of my loneliness and my being single.  Maybe that's why I don't get bummed about being single.  My kids keep me so busy.  They also keep me focused on who I want in my love life.  I am not quick to let anyone in my heart.  I had such a rough go with their dad, that I knew what I didn't want in my life. 

 I also made it a point to not jump into another relationship until I healed from my last one.  In my line of work, I've come across many new relationships, marriages, break ups and make ups, affairs, and rebounds.  I learned from their mistakes as well as my own.  I have seen some beautiful unions and have taken what I can from those.   

Being single doesn't suck.  It's not ideal either.  I know my time will come, until then I will enjoy my own company.  

Day 1: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”

Day 1:  30 Day Blog Challenge

Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”

This question doesn't bother me, in the very least.  I've been a hairstylist for 22 years now.  I've been self employed for 17 years.  Everybody knows my business.  I gladly share my life experiences with my colleagues, clients and friends. 

I've been single for about five years now.  I'm not terribly lonely.  I've got two beautiful, healthy kids, who keep me amazingly busy, close friends, who I hang out with from time to time.  I kinda date every now and again. 

It's funny, the ones who asked me that question, "And why are YOU still single?" were the guys on the dating sites.  After hearing that same 'ol question from these guys constantly, I figured it was just another pick up line.  They would ask, "How is a beautiful woman such as yourself single?"  I roll my eyes just thinking about it.  These guys, who messaged me, were sweet talking me.  Usually the next couple of questions were, "What are you looking for in a man?" "What do you like to do in your free time?" "You look like you have really nice, big breasts." "Do you like big cock?"... Do you see where I am getting at here?  Ee-gahds!!! And you wonder why I am still single??!?!??  I never got past the email stage in these stupid ass dating sites!  I don't even care which one it is, they are all on them.  Needless to say, I no longer have a profile up on any sites, except for Facebook but I don't friend strangers very often, if ever.

So, my answer to said question...
I am still single because I won't settle for less than I deserve.  I am worthy of a great, loving amazing partner.  And, to be quite honest, my kids keep me awfully busy and I don't have time for dating.  Don't get me wrong, I go out with a boy every now and again. 

I must admit that I am scared shitless of going into a relationship.  I'm afraid that if we "take it to the next level" and it doesn't work out, then we will have ruined a great friendship.  I believe, that this is just a product of my own self doubt and past failed relationships.  It's something I am working on currently.  I am older and wiser and more secure of myself, even though insecurity likes to poke her annoying head into my thoughts every now and then.

Being single, for me, right now is easy.  I am content, I have my babies to take care of.  I don't want to lose focus of what we've got going on.  I am happy to take my time and if it happens, it happens but I am in no great rush. 

30 Day Blog Challenge

So... I follow The Single Woman on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.  I love how positive and inspiring her posts are.  I recently read that she posted a 30 day blog challenge for lent.  I'm not a religious woman in the Christian sense, she tends to post religious stuff, but I loved the idea and I've always wanted to write.  So here I am.  I posted her link, in case anyone is up for the challenge.

http://thesinglewoman.net/2013/10/04/the-single-womans-30-day-blogging-challenge/

The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge

1)      Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”

2)      Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked.

3)      Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.

4)      Your biggest fear as a single person.

5)      The biggest misconception you think people have about single life

6)      Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”

7)      Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point

8)      Five things that are most important to you in a future mate

9)      Your favorite “weird/funny single behavior” – Anything you do that is uniquely YOU and that living alone allows you to do (For example, I sometimes dance around the house with my cat to Frank Sinatra)

10)   Google the meaning of your name and talk about how it fits or doesn’t fit you

11)   Your worst/funniest/most embarrassing date

12)   Your proudest accomplishment

13)   Describe how you met the last person you texted and talk about your friendship/relationship

14)   Describe the last moment you felt really, truly blissful

15)   Narrate a conversation between you and someone in your life who you never had closure with (a friend, an ex, a family member, etc.) What would you say? What would they say? What outcome would you hope for?

16)   If you planted a time capsule right now of your life to be opened in 20 years, what would be in it?

17)   What are your spiritual beliefs and how do they impact your relationships/relationship status?

18)   If you could have a conversation with yourself in high school, what would you say?

19)   What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn?

20)   Describe your most difficult breakup and what you learned from it

21)   How would you pitch a reality show about yourself? To what network?

22)   What fictional character in a movie, tv show, or book do you identify with and why?

23)   Talk about a moment when you got annoyed with a married friend, a person in a relationship, or a person with kids (Be honest! No judgment!)

24)   If you could relive ONE day of your life, what would it be? And would you change anything?

25)   Describe a moment when you “paid it forward.” What happened and how did it feel?

26)   Name a song that makes you cry every time you hear it and why

27)   Talk about something that you really, really, really love about yourself.

28)   Describe a moment when you made a big, bold move. In any area of life: Career, Love, etc.

29)   Who is your closest or most special friend that you’ve never met and what do they mean to you? How did you cross paths? Talk about how you “met” them: Facebook, Twitter, an online support group, etc.

30)   Write a letter to your future mate saying whatever you want to say

Invite anyone who you think might be interested to participate. Post links to your blog posts in the comments below so we can all check them out! Or use the hashtag #TheSW30 on Twitter!