Health & Fitness
The Dating Back Story
I've lived in Royal Oak for five years and prior to that I was a part of the Metro Detroit social scene for quite a few years. I have been able to observe quite a bit of the available dating sources for singles throughout my twenties and now into my thirties. And because I know how much the American Dream is determined in part by starting a family of one's own, I have pondered what it takes to successfully navigate the dating world and attain the dream. Female friends and I have discussed all sorts of dating situations that have made us shake our heads in disbelief. The television is scattered with commercials for online dating sites and reality shows with a focus on dating where women are at the center of the storylines. Contrary to perhaps what some would think about the inner conversations of ladies, it is not always a male bashing session. In fact, much of our head shaking and finger wagging has been about fellow women who seem to say they want one thing and then want to pursue a man who truthfully states they want the opposite.
It would come as no surprise to passing observers that the bars, clubs and restaurants that dot Metro Detroit's scene are a weekly draw for the young, single and looking. But there are more subtle and indirect places that singles also congregate where similarities in hobbies, niche interests or just day to day errand running can reveal a rich breeding ground for eligible bachelors and bachelorettes.
The most interesting and arguably untapped location from an anecdotal perspective is arguably the grocery store. One example of this is my very own revered Main Street landmark Holiday Market!
A quick perusal of the aisle walkers shows a bountiful cornucopia of single guys and gals, who are working and educated professionals grabbing a veritable buffet of ready-to-eat and healthy meals for the solo shopper. Obviously, I don't advocate stalking or approaching seemingly single men when they're actually hungry for real food. However, the old saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach may have a ring of truth when it comes to Holiday Market. With such a large number of people who frequent the place weekly I've often thought that if the back patio of Holiday Market were ever transformed in the summer time into a pop-up ice breaker, taste fest, and open house for residents and visitors it could be a true "hot spot" in more than one sense of the phrase.
Alas, I am no longer on the market (pun intended) but have been snapped up by another Royal Oak resident, married in Royal Oak and have gone from being a transient, carefree renter to a property owning resident with all the community-based responsibilities that inevitably brings. But I still have many single friends who have found it a challenge to find happiness with a life partner.
I believe wholeheartedly that there are many eligible bachelors who are just as discerning, with high standards, and no intention of settling as there are bachelorettes in this area. So this blog will alternatively discuss some of the roadblocks and solutions to dating with the American Dream of entering a healthy marriage.
We will specifically discuss factors that are important for both women and men to be aware of that are unique to the culture of Metro Detroiters in this area. Hopefully, what I learned through trial and error, seasoned advice from trusted and experienced friends and family, and other tested sources can provide some insight to singles of all ages.
That includes the newbies as they move from the college campus, which I lovingly refer to as "Adult Day Care" as well as those who have been "Dating the Dream" for longer.
But this will not be just a one way blog. I definitely would love to interact with readers who have questions and to hear from different perspectives. So, thanks for taking the time to read this and I'll be posting again soon!