Dating I liken to the interview process. If you think about it you're trying to put your best face forward and be like this is the best version of me. In all reality, it's hard to live up to that "best" version of yourself long term and dating has it's ups and downs.

This weekend we had two bachelors on Saturday that were wanting to hang out with this bachelorette. Bachelor number one was a southern gentleman, who had been divorced. The email communications had been fantastic, full of flowery words and promises. Alas, he could not live up to the hype. He was a southern gentleman from North Carolina, but someone who embraced his southern roots. This bachelorette is a yankee through and through and will never consider herself a southerner even if she moves further south of the border. Needless to say, this bachelorette had to end the date due to Spike needing her.

Bachelor number two was also a divorcee who has two kids. The communications had been good as well. He called and texted a few times in addition to emailing a lot. We went to a local pub which I know kristyln3 would love it was a true dive bar and had a good feel. We had much better conversation than bachelor number one, but it came up that he was the proud owner of a dog. I already had some reservations going into this, but this was the push that I needed to determine that we probably weren't going to be more than friends. He called on Sunday to thank me for a good time and ask me out for today. I accepted and then I declined this morning. Why?

The whole SD (formally Navy D) situation taught me that I have to listen loudly to my gut feeling. Also this guy has kids, I don't mind some single dude taking me out for free dinner. I don't want to take away from his cash flow situation if I already know I can't see a future long-term. So I declined this morning and I am going to chill out on the dating front till I get back from the 4th.

I am excited because this is a short work week for me. I am going to work Monday - Wednesday and I am off the rest of the weekend. I am heading to Upstate NY. It's going to be crowded and fun, but I know I am going to be exhausted.

I hope you're all doing fantastico. Happy Monday.

SB