Boys, boys, boys

"Look, I know you think that she was the one, but I don't. No, I think you're just remembering the good stuff, next time you look back, I, uh, I think you should look again."

- (500) Days of Summer

So, it has been one month since the breakup. One month ago, I opened the door to my boyfriend at the time to hear the words, "I realized that I hadn't seen you in three weeks and I realized that I didn't really care." Boy, does he know how to make a girl feel good!

Breakups suck. They really do. The last time I was dumped, I was forced to get over it pretty quickly, because my sister was dumped mere days later by a much more serious boyfriend. This one, I had the dreaded time to dwell.

I went through just about every emotion that you could possibly think of: anger, frustration, sadness, confusion, etc. I am now feeling strangely blissful. Sure, I miss being friends with the guy and certain aspects of the relationship, and occasionally go deep into a pit of despair, but I have started realizing that he simply wasn't the one.

I thought everything was perfect. I thought that things couldn't get better. I was looking forward to taking that big step of staying with each other's families over the holidays - I really was. I couldn't imagine being with somebody else - things were just so flawless, y'know?

Out of boredom*, I started that whole online dating thing. I filled out a profile, slapped up a picture, and waited. Guys started messaging me left and right, offering to take me on dates. Through these offers, I've started looking back on my most recent relationship and realized that I was way off - I can do SO MUCH BETTER.

I had one guy offer to take me to the Rockettes for our first date**. Although I turned him down, in lieu of a cheaper date with him, I realized that Former Boyfriend would never have taken me to a show like that. When Rent, (my favorite musical,) came through Des Moines, he told me he was in no way interested in going. I had to spend $25 to get seats in the last row. I'm sorry, but it was my favorite musical - make some sacrifices!

Another date met me out for a night on the town and offered to see my high school friend's band. This summer, the same band came through Des Moines and Former Boyfriend told me to find someone else to go with. Butthole.

And last night, I went on a date with a boy who bought me chocolates, told me I was beautiful (not pretty - BEAUTIFUL,) took me to see Christmas lights,*** and was an all-around gentleman. I love dates.

I know these are only first dates and that I'm probably just giddy, but it feels good to be treated like this, and it's really helping with the healing process.

Love always,

E.

* Okay, and because I wanted to hear that I was pretty after such an awesome rejection from my boyfriend of 2 years...

** And both my inner child and present-day Erin freaked out!

*** One of my favorite things ever!