Rob's Dating Pep Talk And Speed Dating.

Everyone should have a Rob in their life. 

I can honestly say that sentence is not something I would have written a year ago. To say we didn't really hit it off in the beginning would be a bit of an understatement. It's an unusual situation being thrown together with someone you don't know,who also has a strong personality, learn about each other all the while trying to be entertaining while you figure out how to maneuver and mesh the personalities. We have come a long way Rob and I, from fighting over chips (still the best story of all time) to now looking forward to catching up after days off. 

Rob has observed a lot that has gone on in my life over this last year. Spending over 40 hours a week together he sees and hears almost everything, and because of how good of friends we have become I appreciate his opinions on the things he sees. I even ask his advice sometimes. I don't always take it, but I listen to him and let me tell you, everyone should have a Rob in their life. 

 Rob has watched me go through a few challenges in our time together and has seen what it has done to me and in the last month or so has become a bit of a rock for me. Rob has been giving me some huge pep talks about what I deserve in this life and what I should and should not accept. Rob reminds me often that I am worth so much more then I am getting and  give myself credit for. He has even given me a hug when it got really bad and all I wanted was to cry.  

Everyone should have a Rob in their life. Rob sometimes gets mad when I allow myself to be treated badly by a guy and will make me laugh when I need it. Rob has become a huge self esteem booster for me. Who would have ever guessed?

So with Robs encouragement  I decided to give this dating thing another try, but this time go into it with a different outlook and with no expectations. "Have fun" he says, " go out for coffee and see if he deserves your time before going out again." 

He even gave me this car analogy the other day that I am like a Porsche, and "would you let some bum ride in a Porsche?" (not intended to be as dirty as it might come across) "No!" Rob says, "you only let those who are good enough and will take care of that kind of car drive it. (again don't be dirty) 

(I am not saying I think I am a Porsche...but I think you all get what he was trying to say.) 

So, with my ego padded and feeling like I could try this again and maybe even have a little fun doing it I signed up for speed dating. 

I was nervous but it was a lot of fun. There was only 3 guys that showed up (there was suppose to be 12) and I really liked how easy it was to chat for 5 minutes and it shocked me how fast I could tell if this had potential of going further or not. When it was over and I was headed home I felt like I had just overcame this huge confidence obstacle.  I was brave and I put myself out there and men seemed to have been interested. It was a nice way to ease into it again. I met a doctor an engineer and a man in sales for oil stuff. 

Nice guys who seemed like quality men. Not matches for me, but I was starting to see what Rob was talking about and even more importantly I was feeling it too. 

It has been fun chatting with guys again, and I look forward to a few dates that are coming up, and I can't wait to tell Rob all about them. 

Today:

I am grateful to have such an amazing support system in my life. 

I am grateful for feeling strong enough to brave this dating thing again. 

I am grateful for Jenna, who allows me to opportunities to date and know my children are well cared for and loved. 

J