Single in Atlanta

“I like being #single, I'm always there when I need me.” (-Art Leo) But for those who don't like the single life, we're there for you too. #singleinatlanta Atlanta, GA

[singleinatl]

Top Ten: Worst Things to Include in Your Online Dating Profile Picture

After years of online dating and using a variety of mobile apps for dating, I've seen it all. And some of the funniest and most disturbing things show up in peoples' profile pictures. Here are the top ten worst things to include in your online dating profile picture (warning: after reading this, you'll probably want to find the people who do this and slap them or ask them, "Why, man, WHY?"). Guys, I'm talking to you. 

Nudity - Keep it in your pants; no one wants to see that while they are flipping through potential dates. Even IF you're trying to reach girls who are just looking to hook up, this is not the way to get them. And quite frankly, it's not that impressive. Sorry, boys.

Weaponry - Your machine guns, pistols, knives and samurai swords are creepy. Please keep them away from me and your online dating pictures. You're scaring girls away! 

Drugs - That smoke you're blowing in front of your face really allows us to see what you look like, thanks! And you seem like such a go-getter with goals and aspirations. Oh wait, you're a pothead?? Who knew?!? [Sarcasm]

Girls - Unless you're clearly with your mom or grandma, don't put a girl in your main picture. We are automatically going to think it's a current or ex girlfriend, and it's just going to put us off, even if it is actually your "sister" or "cousin" (doubtful). 

A Mullet - If you have a mullet, you must be trying to stay single. There's a reason why mullet hairstyles haven't been worn in decades and why some countries have banned this hairstyle all together. 

Man-Thong - When your underwear are smaller than ours, there's a problem. I would suggest trying boxers or briefs. 

Cash - If you're looking for a gold-digger, then please, continue to throw cash around in your pictures! But if you're not, keep the cash in your wallet and save it for a first date instead. Plus, showing a picture of a ton of cash just makes us think you're doing something illegal for it (selling drugs in a corner alley, maybe?). 

Bathroom/Toilet - Bathrooms are gross enough as it is. Do you really need to take a selfie while on the toilet or in the shower? I think not. 

Blood - Do I really need to explain this one? It's gross. Don't do it. 

Model Shot - Unless you're an actual model, don't use a model-type photo. It just makes you look like a wanna-be when we scroll to your other pictures and discover that you, in fact, don't look like a model. 

Sadly enough, I've seen all of these used. And I immediately go to the next guy while considering reporting the person for spam or inappropriate content (or really, stupidity - is that an option?). Ladies, are there any things I missed. Let me know in the comments or tweet us at @Single_in_ATL! 

[singleinatl]

50 Worst Pick Up Lines

In honor of reaching 50 followers on Twitter today, here's a list of the 50 worst pick up lines. Some I've heard first hand, others are just too hilarious not to include. After reading the list, let me know your favorites! Which pick up lines have been used on you? Which ones worked and which were epic fails? We want the dirty pick up line details, comment or tweet us at @Single_in_Atlanta! 

1. Sit on my face and I’ll eat my way to your heart. 2. Did you grow up on a farm? You sure know how to raise a good cock! 3. I could’ve called heaven and asked for an angel, but I was hoping you’re a slit instead… 4. Guy: “Thank God I’m wearing gloves.” Girl: “Why?” Guy: “Because you’d be too hot to handle.” 5. Was your mother a beaver, because DAAAAM girl. 6. On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you tonight? 7. You’re the 7th most beautiful woman I’ve seen all night. 8. I’m not having any luck finding women. And you’re single. Why don’t we just date? 9. If you were a spider you’d be a mommy long legs. 10. If I were a watermelon, would you spit or swallow my seeds? 11. So… what are the chances I see you naked tonight? 12. I like your bangs and your boobs. How about I bang your boobs? 13. Treat me like a pirate and give me that booty. 14. I haven’t had sex in a while, so can I come over and have sex with you? 15. Is your middle name Gillette? Because you’re the best a man can get. 16. What do I have to do to get on your drunk dial list? 17. Are you a Middle Eastern dictator? Because there’s a political uprising in my pants. 18. Can I buy you a drink? Or would you just prefer the money? 19. I may not be Fred Flinstone, but I bet I can make your Bed Rock. 20. I may not be the best looking guy here, but I’m the only one talking to you. 21. Hey baby, I’d look good on you. 22. I lost my bed, can I borrow yours? 23. I’m new in town, can I get directions to your place? 24. Do you believe in first sight or should I walk by again? 25. Is it hot in here or is it just you? 26. You’re pretty, can I kiss you? 27. Excuse me. Do you think we might have a mutual friend that could introduce us? 28. I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away! 29. My lips are like skittles, want to taste the rainbow? 30. Well, here I am. What were your other two wishes? 31. Do you have a BandAid? I just scraped my knee falling for you. 32. You must be Jelly, because Jam don’t shake like that. 33. Hey girl, show me them titties! 34. Hi, I’m Pogo. Want to jump on my stick? 35. Are your legs tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day long. 36.  I may not be the hottest guy in here, but we can always turn off the light. 37. If yu were a car, I’d wax you and ride you all over town. 38. Is that Windex? Because I can see myself in your pants. 39. That shirt looks very becoming on you. If I were on you, I’d be coming too. 40. How many shots do I need to buy you before you’ll go home with me? 41. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in the history of ever. 42. Don’t worry, my wife won’t find out. 43. Do you have any raisins? How about a date? 44. What’s a nice girl like you doing talking to a loser like me? 45. Excuse me miss, I’m going to have to ask you to leave… you’re making the other women look bad. 46. You’ll do. 47. My magic watch says you’re missing your panties? No? Well it must be 10 minutes fast then. 48. Want to come over and watch porn on my flat screen mirror? 49. If you were a library book, I’d check you out. 50. You’re body has 206 bones in it. Want one more? 

[singleinatl]

Friday Night Lites: A Single Girl's Night In

It's Friday night (the 13th, no less) at 11pm, and what am I doing? Sitting on my couch with my dog, watching TLC and feverishly searching Pinterest for health-conscious recipes and meal ideas. Did I mention that I'm single? (Duh.)

I feel like this start to the weekend is not uncommon for single girls everywhere. For one, everyone [read: all girls] uses Pinterest. Two, I have a full-time job that can be exhausting, so staying in on a Friday night isn't exactly unheard of. Three, lots of people have dogs, and four, TLC is awesome. But what I'm really referring to is the frantic need to eat healthier, and in turn, lose weight. 

I'm not overweight by any means, and most of my girlfriends aren't either. But I seem to constantly hear, "I'm so fat," or "I need to lose 10 pounds." Heck, I'm one of those girls who throw those phrases around like tennis balls. Unfortunately, girls everywhere are fighting this constant battle to be prettier and skinnier (thank you for this warped image - celebs, models and photoshop), but this is especially true for single girls.

As single women, we are on the market. On the prowl, if you will. We have to look our best at all times, because you never know when you will run into Mr. Right. And ironically enough, I always find that I run into that crush from the past or the hot neighbor when I look my absolute worst (dirty hair in a pony tail, sweatpants, no makeup - typical). So my absolute worst still needs to be good enough to catch his attention, right? This outlook means staying fit, eating healthy and living an active lifestyle is key in a single girl's life. But are we living this way for ourselves or for our potential mates?  

As much as I'd like to say I try to lose weight for myself (and in some ways, I do), it's more about the men for me. Maybe that sounds silly or desperate (of which I am neither), but it's true. If I had it my way, I'd eat pasta, cheese and chocolate all day. But, I have to catch a man. So diet and exercise, I will. Granted, my body does feel and look better when I stay active and eat right, but that's more of the added benefit for myself. 

But I want to hear from you - do you fight this same battle? Are you always trying to change the way you look for yourself or someone else? 

Check out our Pinterest Board for singles-inspired work outs to keep you healthy and fit! http://bit.ly/182HGsu 

[singleinatl]

Throwback Thursdays - My First Kiss

In honor of Throwback Thursday, I thought I'd take a quick trip down memory lane and reminisce on my first kiss. As this was my first time making physical, somewhat-sexual contact with the opposite sex, it's pretty engrained in my mind. Despite the fact that more than a decade has passed, I can remember it like it was yesterday... 

In 7th grade, I had a mega-crush on one of the popular boys, of course. He didn't really acknowledge my existence until the end of the year when summer vacation was about to begin. Like normal middle-schoolers, we all were obsessed with who signed our yearbooks and what they said, and lucky me, my crush signed mine. "H.A.G.S." [Have a great summer!] Okay, well at least he signed it.

A few weeks into summer break, my crush called me up and asked if I wanted to go on a hike, just him and I. You all probably don't know this about me yet, but I'm not really the nature type. So going on a hike wasn't exactly my ideal outing, but it was with Mr. Crush, so I'll take it. Like the good rule-following girl I was, I quickly asked my parents for permission and had them drive me to this boy's house. We hiked through the woods in his neighborhood for a couple hours while I played the typical girl - needing help over rocks, slipping on leaves, flirting my way through the trees (in the meantime, I'm sweating my brains out and not exactly enjoying myself). Finally, we broke through the edge of the woods right to where his neighborhood pool was. It was late afternoon and there was no one there, so we decided to be adventurous and jump in, in our clothes! 

As we're swimming around, splashing and making googly eyes at each other, that moment right before you know you're about to kiss someone happened. This was new for both of us, so in typical first-kiss fashion, it was a bit awkward. My crush suddenly speaks up and says, "Want to make out under water?" Romantic, huh? But of course, my answer was yes. Even though I didn't know how to make out. And I also thought we might be at risk of drowning. Oh well, I figured if we drowned, at least we'd have fun doing it!

We dunk our heads into the pool, our lips touched and with the slightest opening of our mouths, we both take in huge gulps of water and come up hacking and coughing! As laughable as this sounds, I was so proud that I'd finally had my first kiss. Imperfect and slightly awkward as it was, it was definitely unique. To this day I've never met anyone who had a similar first-kiss experience. 

I want to hear about your first kiss! For Throwback Thursday, Tweet us at @Single_in_ATL or post a comment below about your first kiss experience. Good, bad and ugly! 

[singleinatl]

Single in Atlanta: An Introduction

Before I introduce the "Single in Atlanta" blog, let me first tell you a little bit about me. I'm a 24-year-old woman in Atlanta with an already successful career, a mortgage and great family and friends. And at the risk of sounding vain, I'd consider myself an attractive female (and I've heard this from others many a time). Oh, and I'm currently, and seemingly forever, single. 

But I haven't always lived the single life. To make a long story short, I was a quiet child. In elementary and middle school you would've found me keeping to myself, thoroughly engaged in a book more suitable as a booster seat or doodling swirls and squiggles on a notebook. I had my first kiss at age 12 (an odd experience - it was under water in a swimming pool, go figure!) and my first make-out session at age 13. Those were both one-off experiences, though. I'm not sure how normal that's considered, but it was around that age that my dating life officially started.

In a strange twist of events, my parents got divorced, and my family moved to a new county where I would begin high school. It was then that I realized I had an opportunity to be the "new girl" - the girl that is mysterious, popular, and yes, all the boys want her. So I revamped my personality and became someone new. Throughout high school I made a variety of friends in a number of different social groups - I was a cheerleader, I hung out with some of the potheads, I had musician friends, athlete friends, I knew band geeks, and I was still a nerd at heart. My mass appeal had it's positives and negatives. On the plus side, I dated a lot - the hot seniors, varsity athletes, drama thespians, potheads, felons... the list goes on. None of my high school "relationships" were serious, though, and upon graduating high school I realized that I was never really "single" during my previous 4 years. So I cut all ties and moved off to college that summer as a single woman, ready to mingle. 

At the start of college, I figured out how to manage classes, homework, a social life, part-time work and greek life (yes, I joined a sorority) pretty quickly. And thanks to the nature of college, I was meeting a ton of new people and making a lot of new friends. My true single days only lasted a few months until one night when my girlfriends and I walked into a bar - as soon as I caught a glimpse of the bartender, I was instantly hooked and I knew I would not be single for much longer. Believe it or not, it was love at first sight, at least for me. 

For weeks I forced my friends to go with me back to that bar night after night in hopes that Bartender was working. Week one, I learned his name. Week two, I left my number for him. Week three, I left my number for him again and flirted extra hard. Week four, he finally acknowledged me - he knew my name, he wasn't working that night, and we danced the night away. That week, we also had our first kiss and our first actual date. 

That's when my brief stint as a hot, confident, single, college girl had come to a close. Over the next two years (and most of my college career), Bartender and I dated. And over those two years, I had fallen into a love so deep, one that I had never experienced before and one that I haven't experienced again to this day. Needless to say, that relationship ended and devastated me. After a heartbreak like I went through, being single had a totally different connotation. To me, it meant loneliness, pain, heartache and sadness. I'm sure many of you are familiar. 

So that brings me to "Single in Atlanta." It has been three years since my breakup with Bartender, and in that three years I've had an interesting single life. I've tried online dating - Match.com, PlentyOfFish.com, Tinder, Grouper, HowAboutWe, and more. I've met guys in bars and other public places and gone on dates with them. I've enjoyed being single at times and at others I haven't. This blog will serve as a medium for me to share my many dating experiences, dating tips and advice that I've personally learned, funny stories, horror stores, and more. The blog will hopefully make you think, make you feel, and help you understand things about the world from the single point of view. But most importantly, this blog serves to show you, fellow single guy or girl, that you are not alone. We are all in this together. 

Now that you've read my shortened life's story, continue with me on this journey of being single. Posts will be from a female's eyes, but guys, I'm sure you can relate to. And hopefully soon I will have single male contributing writers to portray their stories, experiences and thoughts, as well. So, if you're Single in Atlanta, stay tuned! 

- Single Girl ATL

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