Last week tennis player Serena Williams declared that she’s swearing off dating for the next decade. (Yep. You read that right: ten whole years without dating.)
She told Celebuzz, “I have given up on dating. I’m a really emotional person. I give my all and everything. I do make mistakes — like every human does — but the last relationship just was too much of a heartbreak for me. I just can’t go through that anymore. It was hard. [...] I just have to remove myself from that atmosphere for about the next decade or so.”
Sigh.
Ah, Serena, I see where you’re coming from. Really, I do. It can be hard to have faith in the dating process sometimes because it can be daunting. And if you find yourself going through a breakup, you can literally feel like you’re falling apart. I’ve certainly been there. So, I “get” it.
But here’s the thing, though: as trying and tiring as it can be, there are perfectly good reasons not to give up on dating. Here are six.
1. Dating can be interesting.
When you’re single and seeking, you have the opportunity to meet new people. When you land yourself a date, you have the opportunity to embrace new experiences. And even if Date Number One doesn’t lead to Date Number Two, Three, or Long-Term Relationship, you would have had an interesting experience to add to your dating diaries. And that’s pretty darn cool.
When you’re single and seeking, you have the opportunity to meet new people. When you land yourself a date, you have the opportunity to embrace new experiences. And even if Date Number One doesn’t lead to Date Number Two, Three, or Long-Term Relationship, you would have had an interesting experience to add to your dating diaries. And that’s pretty darn cool.
2. First date jitters are actually exciting.
You know that warm-and-fuzzy-butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling you get after you’ve secured a first date with someone that you think is really really cute, nice, and funny? You know that smile you smile on D-Day (Date Day)? You know that spark you feel when you arrive at your first date destination and you can just picture yourself having a good time? Yeah, if you give up on dating, you can kiss those things good-bye.
You know that warm-and-fuzzy-butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling you get after you’ve secured a first date with someone that you think is really really cute, nice, and funny? You know that smile you smile on D-Day (Date Day)? You know that spark you feel when you arrive at your first date destination and you can just picture yourself having a good time? Yeah, if you give up on dating, you can kiss those things good-bye.
Head on over to HowAboutWe Dating Blog, The Date Report to read the rest of my article. And, because I'm so good at self-pimping, feel free to "like" and/or tweet the article.
Lol I think it's so funny that you wrote a post today about not giving up dating and that I wrote a post about - practically - giving up online dating!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, your reasons are pretty darn good. Especially the first. "Another experience to add to your Dating Diaries". Yes, I love that! And heck, 10 years without dating? She'll change her mind two years from now.
Another great article!
ReplyDeletelove this! @Sabrina hit the nail on the head...lol I was almost about to give up on dating, but then realized this will be great for the book of my life.Life is about experiences :), so dating is no different. Just another experience to add to the list.
ReplyDelete10 years seems a little excessive but that's her decision. I completely understand where she was coming from, but I think when you open yourself up, good things happens. It took me a while but I finally understand it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I was great at dating, it bugged me.
ReplyDeleteI love my husband but I did love dating. You only live once you have to get out there.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone should give up on love. There may be setbacks, but it doesn't mean there isn't love out there for someone - it may not be today, tomorrow, or even a few years, but don't give up hope, Serena!
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel where Serena is coming from. Dating is definitely FUN - but for me, it was still "work"... a means to an end, cuz all i really wanted was to be married and have kids. Im hope she doesnt give up for real. Sad her and Common broke up, i loved them together.
ReplyDeleteThe Serena story is so sad, I thought her relationship with Common was a good match. I am not in the dating game anymore but it seems to be getting harder and harder every year to meet quality possibilities. I am happy to see that you are staying positive on this. No matter what, there is always someone just right for you and hope for finding that special someone if you remain positive.
ReplyDeleteFunny I was just telling my friend last week that I wouldn't date now if prince charming feel in my lap. I have been a single mom for 6 yrs and only recently starting reclaiming bits of my old self. there is no way I would give up any of my precious "me" time to share it with another heartbeat. i guess i lend a different perspective since I am in my 30s? I rocked my twenties and early 30s, so now it's time to raise up these boys and take time for me when I feel the burn of burnout sneaking up on me.
ReplyDelete