Think about it:
1. You try to look your best and spend hours, maybe days or weeks finding a bathing suit.
And isn't this the same way you act when you're going on a date? You want to look your best. You want to present the most attractive side you can to your date. You may spend an inordinate amount of time agonizing over what to wear... how to accessorize... how to wear your hair!
2. You are baring yourself. The swimsuit only covers SO much of you.
On your date, you share things about yourself. You tell stories, you share opinions. YOU ARE PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE. Well, you do if you want to make a healthy connection with someone. I mean, you could always make up stories and present yourself as a different person. Trouble is, you will eventually show your true colors and be seen for who you actually are. Now, don't get me wrong, don't go on a date and act like you do in the privacy of your home, not EVERY habit needs to be on display. Some of those habits may need to be retired anyway. But you get the point, share you! (The good parts)
3. Most days the water is C-O-L-D!
Here's my analogy that inspired me to write this post: "Dipping my toes into the dating pool... getting that shiver when I find out what's out there... retreating to the beach chair... then sticking my toe in again."
I was telling a friend about my recent attempts at dating and I compared it with going to the pool. So, here's the scenario. Its a hot sunny day. You want to go swimming. You stick a toe in the pool. The water is ICE cold. You get in... slowly or quickly. Mission accomplished. Here's how I compare it to dating:
4. Sometimes you stick a toe in and decide not to get in.
For me, sometimes, sticking a toe in, is looking around to see who is out there in the "dating pool". Sometimes, just looking is enough to make you say, eh, I'm not interested.
5. Sometimes you ease yourself in... with each new submerged inch... trying to get more accustomed to it.
Then there are times you meet someone who piques your interest. You have a few conversations and ease yourself towards dating. You "take it slow" and try to build something with a solid foundation.
6. Sometimes you dive or jump right in.
I have dipped a toe into a pool in the past and thought, man that's cold. But I REALLY wanted to swim so I just jumped or dove right in. The shock usually wears off fastest this way, but that first contact with the water is cold! I remember meeting men, years ago, and hitting it off with them immediately. They made me feel instantly comfortable with them and we had great chemistry and rapport.
7. Then again... that beach chair looks EXACTLY where you want to be today.
Many days I'm here... on the beach chair... watching from the sidelines.
But that's life. As it is with swimming, you get to chose. And by all means, do it in a way that honors who YOU are. Be true to yourself. And Enjoy!
