Nobody can say I’m exactly satisfied being bored with most men (who isn’t?) and not crack a smile. However, I’m not unsatisfied in that way, either. I just suggest it in this blog as an ear-catching detail setting up the story I am prepared to discuss honestly.

This time last week yours truly met for coffee with Sandy, considering buying a membership to the Phoenix Great Expectations dating service. Now, I stand to each of you as a fully satisfied member of the singles network. Totally, I am. It’s great! If you have read my old blog, you’re probably thinking, “Stop blabbering and tell me about it already.”

Well, I noticed this Great Expectations Dating site and felt encouraged. They’re for quality and professional singles who care enough to know dating isn’t a game.

‘Cause I’d never enjoyed or even tolerated this silly social phenomenon a lot of singles have named “The Dating Game.” I faced it more than you know. Day and night readers ask, “Are you seeing somebody?” and “Please tell me you two are dating.”

“Ugh, and double ugh.” I banter right back, and playfully so. “Not after that last blind date you set me up on.”

“Don’t be silly,” they level with me. “That’s just an excuse for your cynicism.”

That’s just my sister (she’s the best) Stacey Holland. She offers reality to my brain to put me back on course. People never fail for fresh advice. Can’t argue with that, and I joined.

Back to the point of this post. As I picked from thousands of outfits (hah) and desirable, honest singles for my first date with Great Expectations, a revelation hit me honest. For years, I hadn’t allowed myself any literal great expectations for dating in the serendipitous path of being human. Single life has its perks, especially with healthy optimism. Having great expectations makes a difference on a cynics social life.

~Denise Rodriguez