"Red Flags" in the Online Dating Abyss

Remember when you first gazed at that hottie's picture online, sighing and stalking that person's profile again and again. You made initial contact and yes! There was a connection! You both emailed a few times, finally graduating to the nightly, two hour phone calls and eventually were asked on a date. We found ourselves excited about going on this new venture, daydreaming that maybe this person would finally be the one to get you off of the dating "ferriswheel".

Then, finally, the big day arrives! You look and feel amazing. You both meet and things seem, at first, to be going smoothly, however, as the night progresses you start noticing "red flags" popping up here and there. And still, like food stuck in someone's teeth, you ignore them.  Yes fellow daters, I have been there many times!

It wasn't until after my last three, long term relationships ended that I realized that I am dating challenged and was completely clueless.  Those red flags flashing at me on the first date wasn't my imagination. It wasn't that party stint back in the 80's coming to haunt me. It was a clear message for me, which I pushed aside, that eventually involved bad relationships, tears, lots of wasted time and finally....heartache. 

Fortunately, I have made a pact with my heart. After it being broken so many times, and now resembling a patch work quilt, I have decided to start anew and re-enter the online dating abyss with a fresh prospective that I will share with you:

I shall not let my brain go to mush and cloud my intelligence just because my date looks like he is George Clooney's missing twin that could fulfill this plus size vixens fantasies even though he is rude all night. 

I shall not say "no worries, it's ok" after my date has spent more time chatting up his buddy on his cell than chatting with me.

I shall not accept a second date after receiving a phone call at home from my date's ex-girlfriend who swears they are still intimate. 

I shall accept that perfection does not exist and may not find my "prince". However, I can accept that I can be happy with my "perfect frog".

I shall believe that romance is not a thing of the past. And despite my negative dating experiences, believe that there are many good men out there waiting to reciprocate the same kind of loving and honest relationship I am looking for.

I shall believe that I am an amazing human being with lots of love to give to another, however, until that person comes along, I am happy being single and love myself....because I am fabulous! 

So, now that I have opened my heart again, I am plunging back into the dating pool....only this time, I will keep an eye out for those red flags.

See you online!