DISQUS

It may not sound outrageous, but I'm going to start dating again. After months of therapy, I've finally figured out why I keep dating King Baby over and over--now, I'm going to set my sights on finding someone who I don't have to mother. That seems outrageous, given our culture's dedication to raising up Peter Pans, doesn't it?

A new group of friends. After breaking up with a longtime beau, I realized most of my friends were "ours" and I needed to branch out. So, I've started a cooking club and joined some classroom situations to unearth a new social network!

That I have a fresh start after nearly a decade of suffering under a toxic relationship. Thanks in part to the Style Statement, which made me consider how dishonest I'd become with myself and others, I started re-examining everything, including my relationship with an emotionally unavailable, but very nice, man. I suddenly realized I'd be trapped for life if I didn't muster up the courage to make the break. Since I've always been the "dumpee", not the "dumper", this was a real act of bravery for me. Now, I find myself smiling in my sleep, waking up with a happy song on my lips. I've followed my heart home, at last. And that makes me incredibly grateful!

My mother told me that actions speak louder than words, and I think she was right! You're living the life you built....as choices are there, whether or not you take them, they're always there. Taking responsibility for one's life is the first step towards any meaningful change. Mom also said "Talk is cheap." Right again, Mom!

I'm sorry, I misled you...my house is a Cape Cod house...built in the 50s...it's a very symmetrical style, with dormers and a two-up-two-down bedroom layout. But I do love the Cape Cod region, too! ;-)
Karen

I just discovered that what I really, really want is to create a home where I can share joy and beauty with friends and family. After months of vainly attempting to live with a man who really, truly has the world's most aggressive bachelor genes, I schlepped home my clothes and makeup and grooming goodies and sang the whole way there. Now, back in my little Cape Cod, I'm excited about rediscovering its quiet joys and bringing it back to life under my loving hands. And did I mention I'll be re-doing the bathroom? Bliss!

I'm struggling right now with the need to ask you why you feel you need to let go of your little house? I always feel that need to be the "mom" to the universe....off it goes! Like a balloon into the air!

My idolized 5th grade teacher, Miss Natalie Boaz, told me much the same thing--she said, "Karen, don't say you're going to do something, just do it!" It has made a huge difference in my life, as I tend not to overpromise and underdeliver this way. Keeping it real...thanks to Miss Boaz!

Exactly what I was trying to say! Precisely! Brilliant!

Someone once told me that men will almost immediately tell you what they're all about, ie. "I like to do what I feel like" (translation: Peter Pan, call your office); "I'm not very good at relationships" (run like hell); "I can't seem to find the right woman" (trans: "I'm entirely too picky and am one of Nature's bachelors"); "No one really gets my sense of humor" (trans: I'm a pervert); etc. Once a man told me, up front, that he has a problem with authority. Guess what all our arguements were about? Mr. Independence couldn't be fenced in on anything, including hanging up towels, parking legally, etc.
Dump the chump--you won't save him and there IS no break-thru woman. Run fast, run far...it's the devil!