How to Keep a Smile on Your Face After Another Date with Another Mr. Wrong

Tend to date all the wrong guys? Don't worry, I think we all do. At least I do...

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a mind
• will power

1. Some people refer to me as a free spirit, but I think the term "hopeless romantic" is more appropriate. I've been single for over four years, and have had no intentions of settling down with Mr. Right.
   
   Well of course I haven't intended on settling down with Mr. Right. I haven't met Mr. Right! And quite frankly, I'm not too sure I ever will. But you know what? I'm OK with that.
   
   I'm one of those women who ended a good relationship with an even better guy simply because "I wanted to do other things." I wanted to go out with friends without having to call or worry about a boyfriend at home. I wanted to explore the world without being tied down, and most importantly, I wanted to experience other men.
   
   And experience is exactly what I got.
   
   Like many other single women, I've tried my hand at numerous different "types" of men. I've dated the nice guy, funny friend. I gave the guy who was into rap music that I met at a party (after drinking several beers) a few chances in the courting world. I rendezvoused with the bald man from the internet dating service. I spent several humble evenings with the broke, dreadlocked hippie I met in the parking lot of a concert venue. And most recently I have been known to touch lips with the tall and limber male dance teacher that I picked up at the bar.
   
   I'm not going to fool myself. I highly doubt any of the aforementioned men will ever make a re-appearance into my life. I met them for a reason, and I lost touch with them for a reason. While I could let my solidarity depress me, I have instead chosen to embrace it. I greet each day with a smile and don't spend much, if any, time worrying over whether what's-his-name from the bar last night will call me or not.
   
   I am peacefully content with my "lack of relationship with the opposite sex" status, and you can be too. There's no reason for any woman in this world to wallow in her sorrow because she is single. Think about it. If a woman spends all her time crying over the fact that she isn't in a relationship with a man, she is neglecting the most wonderful thing in her life - herself.
   
   So ladies, if you still want to flash those pearly whites after a not-so-good date with a not-so-right Mr. Right, here is what you can do:
2. EXERCISE. The impact of exercise on a woman's physical, mental and spiritual health is immeasurable. Exercise boosts confidence. It gives a woman energy to do all those things she (not her boyfriend,) loves to do. Most importantly, exercise tones the physique, making a woman an aesthetic view across the dinner table as Mr. Wrong fronts the bill.
   
   The great thing about exercise is that it comes in many different forms. I'm not suggesting you begin training for a marathon as soon as you put this article down. What I am suggesting is that you start taking part in enjoyable physical activity. Play fetch or run around with your dog at the park. Take long walks on the beach on dry sand where there is more muscular resistance. Ride a bicycle instead of driving a car. Get in tune with your inner child and pick up the largest, most colorfully decorated hula hoop you can find. With exercise, anything goes, as long as the heart rate is beating above average.
3. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. Don't think of the dating scene as frustrating and hopeless. Think of it as a wonderful learning experience. Take something from each dating contender. I pride myself in knowing that I have learned a minimal of two things from each guy I've dated. You may learn something miniscule from a guy, such as the obscure fact that George W. Bush has an uncle named Bucky. On the other hand, you may learn something more revealing about yourself, such as not wanting to date any more unemployed dreadlocked hippies because they seem to lack motivation, which in turn causes you to feel uninspired.
   
   Whatever the situation may be, keep in mind that the power to one's own happiness is in their mind.
4. FOCUS ON YOURSELF. Take advantage of your singularity and work toward obtaining your goals without any major distractions, such as a fight with a boyfriend because it looked like he checked out another woman while you two were shopping in Victoria's Secret. Now is the time to focus on career goals, build a resume or partake in activities that you actually enjoy. Why spend a Sunday watching a football game with a boyfriend when you can take a solo walk downtown and visit your favorite museum or café?
5. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SOUL. Take some time to relax and reflect. Think about your life. Laugh about all thing things you've done. Smile about all the wisdom you have gained from tossing the line to yet another fish in the sea. Remind yourself of all the things that make you special and unique. You're awesome, and you know it. Now it's time to show it. True beauty emanates from within. Turn on your pulchritudinous inner light, attract yet another Mr. Wrong, and give him a chance.
   
   It's been said that two wrongs don't make a right, but it's a sure possibility that three wrongs may lead you to what you are looking for. So ladies, keep smiling. He's out there (somewhere.) Know that you are not the only one dating man after man with nothing to write home about. Don't let being single bother you. Focus on yourself, and happiness will be yours. Most importantly, keep this Lord Byron quotation in mind –
   
   "In solitude we are least alone."