Moneypenny

For photos, remember to stand up straight! And keep your shoulders back. Bonus- it’ll make your bust more… prominent? (not sure if that’s the best word?) Always a nice thing, especially if you’re in a corset! 😀
I’ve read that when posing for photos, it’s often best to pose at an angle rather than head on. And I read something about how only having one ear showing in a photo looks better. (As in, turn yourself at an angle so one ear is away from the camera.)
I’m sure whatever you do, you’ll look awesome. 🙂

I met up with the Trombone Player last night- it was a nice evening and I’m glad I met him. Other than that… not much else to say. We met near my office for some hot chocolate, then walked around a little bit and ended up having some mediterranean food since it was dinner time. He kept asking me what I like to do for fun, and when I told him my typical week (work 9-6, gym, eat, etc) he was surprised at how busy I was and was like, how do you find time for men?? (Um, I dunno, I just do?) Anyway, I enjoyed talking to him but that was about it.
And then last night I got a text from a guy from eharmony I have emailed back and forth with, and the conversation got to be a little flirtatious. (I like flirting, so it made me smile.) So, hey, we’ll see. I’m not too worried though. 🙂

That black tie party sounds really cool, Kare!
Also, I may be going on a date with a professional trombone player.

Welcome to the thread, @mjmaim! I hear you on being jaded part. When I get that way, it’s a clear sign I need to take a break!
And festive manicures sound so fun. I haven’t had one (at a salon) in like, 4 years. My nails grow fast, and I also bite them short, so manicures are a waste unless I just do it myself.
I would def get my hair done, though, Veritek- loose waves or a blowout would look fantastic with a sparkly dress!

I think a sporting event would be a cool second date- if you don’t know what to talk about, you can at least talk about the game!
The ball sounds cool. I would just be worried about having to dress appropriately (and not having anything ball-like to wear)… But if he’s just looking to bring a date and have a good time, it could be fun.

I will chime in to agree that this thread is awesome, everyone is so supportive, and there’s such a positive vibe- I enjoy reading everyone’s stories too! (Kumbaya, anyone? :P)

So, last week I had a beer with a guy from eharmony, which was very nice and enjoyable, but I didn’t really get more than a “friend” vibe (that, or he’s socially awkward). I actually deleted his number and thought that was that. Well, Friday night he texted me asking if I wanted to go take a tour of *local tourist trap* because he’d never been, and he had mentioned a podcast about it on the date. I thought about it, and decided, why not. So, we’re going this Saturday. I’m not sure if this is actually a date? Because he has not communicated in any way with me other than setting up the date/time/place to meet, and nothing since. (To be fair I haven’t either.) I’m just going to go, and have a nice time, and if he randomly tries to plant one on me, I’ll have my answer.
There is also another guy I’ve been emailing/texting for the last couple of weeks- he lives in the same city from me, maybe a half mile away. But we still haven’t met. He seems very sweet and down to earth, so perhaps at some point we may actually meet up.

Honestly though? I feel so ambivalent about men right now. I really just do not feel excited about dating anyone. It may be that the matches I’m seeing online are just starting to blur together. Maybe online just isn’t the best venue for me to meet people. I realized today that if I stopped and took a break, I’d feel relieved! It feels like a chore. I *know* what it’s like to have chemistry with someone and to feel excited about going on a date. And I’m just not feeling it! And besides, I have a lot on my mind right now, all related to myself and my goals- I’m paying off my debt (student loans + cc) in large chunks once and for all; I’m working out 4x a week; I am trying to not screw up at my job; I’m planning to take all of my professional licensing exams next year (6 of them!). I have a crappy commute to/from work, and I try to make time for my friends, *and* for myself to recharge. I have my routine! Plus, there are 2 rather dashing dudes at my gym who I notice check me out, which I’m enjoying. And I get so fed up sometimes with the area I live in that I consider escaping (Toronto is sounding nice this week…) So yeah, I know this is a novel but I feel like I need a break. I want to continue to “say yes” to things and “put myself out there” (TM) but until I change my mind again, I’m gonna focus on my own stuff.