Baggage claim
Dating is made even more complex at this age, because by now we’ve all accumulated baggage. Take me for example. I married my best friend and gave 100% of myself to him. He violated my personal and emotional safety, and once we were divorced he replaced me within a few short weeks. I meant nothing to him. The next guy I dated cheated on me. I meant nothing to him. And most every guy I have talked to or been out with since has reiterated to me that my worth is extremely limited, and that I mean nothing to them. Every time something like this occurs, I put another brick on the walls I’m building around myself. And brick by brick I’m working on building a fortress that will be very difficult for any man to break through. I bring the baggage of mistrust, broken hopes, and crushed self esteem.
I think these are things we need to be more aware of in ourselves. And once we’ve claimed our own baggage, we need to recognize that any potential suitor will also have their own baggage. And figuring out what’s worth the effort and what is worth the time may be the biggest barrier to our happiness. I’ve become aware of the fact that no one has found me worth the effort or worth the time. But I cannot change who I am to better my odds. I have become this person through every painful step of this journey.