For one, I couldn’t characterize myself as pleasantly satisfied as an “independent” (aka: naturally single) person and remain an honest woman. But, I’m not uncomfortable with the reality of life, either. I just mention it here as an ear-catching detail foreshadowing what I will shortly reveal to you
A week ago today I was walking the dog, Trisha, pondering about signing up for a dating service for Phoenix singles. As of this minute, I write to you as a fully satisfied member of the dating service. For real, and I almost don’t believe it myself! I like it! If you’ve been paying attention, perhaps you’re thinkin’, “You totally owe me an explanation.”
Here’s how it went down, I looked at this Great Expectations Dating site and liked what I saw. They’re for quality and professional singles who care enough to know dating isn’t a game.
Quite frankly, I’d never been too big on the ridiculous nightlife ritual serial daters (ie: everyone I know) so aptly entitled “The Dating Game.” I faced it all the time. Every night friends ask, “You’re still single? ” and “Please tell me you two are dating.”
“Ugh, and double ugh.” I say to them, and playfully so. “Take a look around, I’m not missing much.”
“Don’t be silly,” they deadpan. “That’s just an excuse for your cynicism.”
Thankfully, that’s my sister (she’s the best) 
Patty McCarthy. She sets reality directly to my core to put me back on course. Caring souls are always there to offer perspective. No countering that, and I joined.
Returning to the theme of this post. As I picked from hundreds of combinations of outfits for my first singles event with Great Expectations, I acknowledged something deep. Over the last year, I hadn’t allowed myself the greatest of literal great expectations for dating and myself in the serendipitous path of life. Being single isn’t so bad, specifically with healthy optimism. Holding great expectations works terrifically in dating.
<3, Denise Rodriguez
