Firstly, I cannot say I’m exactly comfortable being picky and not crack a smile. However, I’m not unsatisfied with the reality of life, either. I merely suggest it here as an intriguing detail setting up the story I am prepared to explain in grand style.

Last Monday yours truly was walking the dog, Corey, thinking of buying a membership to the Phoenix Great Expectations dating service. As of this minute, I write to the blogosphere as a happy member of the matchmaking service. No kidding, and I almost don’t believe it myself! Its very comfortable and full of nice people! If you know me at all, you may be wondering, “You got some ’splainin to do, Lucy!”

Here’s how it went down, I saw this Great Expectations Dating site and felt encouraged. They’re for the honest singles who care enough to know dating should mean something.

Quite frankly, I’d never been too big on this silly social phenomenon most people so aptly entitled “The Dating Game.” I faced it more than anyone should. Day and night people ask, “Are you two serious yet?” and “Just get out there and date him!”

“Ugh, and double ugh.” I reply, without missing a beat. “Take a look around, I’m not missing much.”

“You’re as ridiculous as you are hilarious,” they say. “You have no way to know that!”

Leave it to my sister The One-And-Only (hehe) Patty McCarthy. She beams common sense to my brain 99% of the time. Loved ones you can trust for fresh advice. No countering that, and I joined.

Coming home to the theme of this post. As I browsed from hundreds of quality singles for my first date with Great Expectations, I realized something honest. For years, I hadn’t allowed myself too many actual great expectations for dating and myself in the adventurous winding course of being alive. It’s good to be single, especially if you use the freedom to date. Embracing your own great expectations does wonders on a cynics social life.

–Monica Palmer