I was in contact with a man for a week or so and asked him if his photos were up to date. He replied yes “2 or 3 years” old. So after a lot of back and forth he agreed to forward a recent photo. As we continued our conversation things went sour when I began asking questions: ie do you have children, ru single, were you married, why did you move? He goes ape shit and hangs up on me! I did text him saying “Obviously we are not a match .. However I find it interesting that as a “journalist” when the tables were turned you hung up on me!” And this is what he replied: “My profession has nothing to do when someone is insulting and disrespectful … please leave me alone.” I don’t know what I said that was such a turn off??? PS never got an updated picture…. Any thoughts?

And I’ve been thinking a lot about new chapters. There is something about this stage of life that calls in a different kind of striving. We have lived. Loved. Lost. Rebuilt, often more than once. And at some point, you realize that every new beginning is not really new at all. It comes from every moment you have already lived through. Years of learning, failure, problem solving, picking yourself back up, and trusting that whatever comes next can be more beautiful than the chapter before. These past 2+ years have been exactly that for me. A step into a new realm and a new identity. Into building a business. (Entrepreneur) Into trusting myself more deeply. (More capacity) Into letting go of what I thought life was supposed to look like. (New vision) Into healing my body from 2 major surgeries (Accepting aging and menopause) And into love and a deepening relationship with my partner. With someone who, on paper, does not fit the expected mold. A man who has never been married. Never had children of his own. Does not come from the corporate world And if I am being honest, there was a moment where I paused. Because it is different. Because it is not the familiar story. Because it would have been easier to stay within the paradigm I understood. But growth does not come from staying in what is familiar. Love does not follow a formula. So I chose to move forward. Not because I know exactly where it will lead, but because I trust myself to navigate whatever unfolds. If there is one thing I know for sure at this point in my life, it is this: * You do not create a new chapter by holding onto the old one. * You do not build something meaningful without some level of risk. * And you do not experience real connection by staying guarded and waiting until everything feels certain. As I step into another year, I am choosing to stay open to life and to follow my aliveness. To stay curious. To keep taking risks and trust that I can handle the hard stuff. And to believe that there is still so much life and love available to us, if we are willing to step toward it.

Let's get to know each other! Comment below sharing where you are in the world, a photo of you , and something you like to do for fun. 😊 This post contains important information about getting the most out of this community, so please read through everything before you start. 👓 ✨ Read Through Our Community Guidelines ✨ First and foremost, please read through our Community Guidelines to ensure this remains a valuable, supportive space for everyone. Quick Summary: - Be respectful and kind - No soliciting or self-promotion - Keep it relevant to dating/relationships - Protect privacy - no sharing screenshots - What's shared here, stays here 📈 How To Earn Points, Level Up & Unlock Rewards 📈 Our community is designed around participation. You'll unlock new resources and perks as you engage, support, and help other members. How Points Work: - One 'like' = One point - The more you interact and contribute quality content, the more points you earn - Your level is shown at the bottom right of your avatar picture - Points needed for next level shown under your avatar on your profile page 💎 Important Note About DMs 💎 The ability to DM other community members is unlocked at Level 2 (Cotton). So if you want to stay connected and build relationships in this community, start earning your first points now! Please contact me with any comments, suggestions, or questions. I read everything! Let's reboot your love life together, Dessi 💕

If you are doing the 30-Day Dating Re-entry in January, this question is for you. If not, you can still answer the prompt: Reframe one belief about Online Dating. Finish this sentence honestly, or come up with your own. “Online dating doesn’t have to be __________________________ for me this time.”