I quit the 'Dating Game'!

I recently "quit" my "man diet" and decided to start dating men again. Of course, my best intentions were my motivation, and having done all my "me work," read countless self-help books, and a new invincible attitude about relationships, I figured: no guy can faze me-- I will see through him like a cheesecloth!

So here's my update on dipping my toes back into the dating pool (via OKCupid):

First of all, I'd like to reiterate that I had positive thoughts and an unstoppable attitude about online dating. I seriously thought that it would be easy: I would cut my losses early on and move onto the next fish in the sea.... only, I didn't realize that it's no different from all the guys I've been encountering, only the choices are dismal (speaking optimistically).

Date #1: a "rocker-dude" whom didn't catch my eye in the first place, but having my open and easy going attitude, I figured, "hey, at least I'll have a friend who can invite me to concerts/live performances locally." Um, he was late on our first meeting, and looked like Keith Richards (regardless of being only 2 years older than me, and I look quite good for my age). Bad move #2 from "rocker-dude": he kept leaning into me, and I almost fell off the bar stool. I don't like anyone invading my personal space, especially on the first meeting, ESPECIALLY if he doesn't look like Brad Pitt. When we said our "goodbyes", he proceeded to lean in for a kiss-- to which I turned my cheek. If that wasn't enough body language to say "I'm not interested," he actually had the nerve to ask, "Is this going to turn into a relationship?" I tried not to let my eyes pop out as I glanced at him, but I think I failed. Has anyone seen a pair of green eyes around?

Date #2: the hot, young thang (27 to be exact), who called instead of doing the text/email BS-- major points in my book. He sounded promising (although a bit aloof/mysterious about himself-- I was picking up a major married/committed vibe from him), but he was a no-show on our first meeting at the bar in Oceanside. He did call again, and try to "make up for it," claiming he tried to text (I don't have texting on my phone), but I was already done with this guy. He set up a date to meet (when I was under the influence), and I forgot everything I agreed to. So he called me at 1 pm from the pier, wondering where I was. Well, I told hot stuff, I was about to pick up the pizza from Pizza Hut in a few moments, and sorry, but I didn't recall what I said. He knew right away he deserved the same treatment..... he has since removed his profile from OKCupid, so I'm pretty sure he was "attached" to someone.

Date #3: the short guy with a cute face. I tried to do what I read in relationship articles, by going "outside of my comfort zone" of men who are my "type." This guy had potential: we had a high score of compatibility, and he seemed friendly enough. So we messaged a few (long) times, and he finally asked to see me. Our meeting went well (oh, yeah-- he's 5'6" like me, so hugging him was like hugging a twin). Our second date, he went all out and took me to Bennihana's for filet mignon and chicken breast (with the chef's entertainment included). Then, he showed me the constellations with his phone's GPS system, and we ended the date after midnight. I didn't even notice the time had passed, and our night ended with a sweet session of kisses on the lips.

But this guy sent one message afterward, and then never again.

So, here I am wondering: Is there a black hole vortex that sucks men in after they leave my house? Is it my breath? (I can't help that the salad at Bennihana's had onions in it!) Is it something I said? Did? What the heck? Is dating really this confusing?

I officially "quit" the "Dating Game."

Really. No man diets, just a general disgust for men who have issues, and pass along their insecurity to me. I'm only human, and I'm much happier enjoying the scent of flowers and viewing the cosmos on my own.

What will it take to change my mind?

I don't know. I guess I'd have to have a strong connection with a guy (like really good friends or something) for me to venture out into this field of confusion. I just want to have fun, and not think too much into it, but after a few creeps, I'm wondering why I even bother.

It seems like the task to find my mate is like finding a needle in a haystack, only the needle is camouflaged in hay-colored disguise. And there's also a string attached that yanks it out from my grasp as soon as I get close to said needle. Ah foo-wee! You ladies can have all the yucks out there. I'm much happier catering to my kids, and checking out the eye candy online.