Ah, summer time!  The time of year that many a magazine/advice column/etc will push as the best time for being single, especially in the nation’s capital.  The days are longer.  There are so many events.  Interns/fresh faces have arrived.  All valid points but for a single lady not used to/not interested in/out of practice with playing the “game”, this can be tough.  How do you meet new guys if the bar/lounge scene isn’t your scene?  How do you combat the feelings of wanting to stay in a shell, particularly if you’re still grappling with the distress of failed dates or haven’t been on a date in awhile?

Don’t get me wrong, I am THE advocate for women putting their best face forward and getting over a failed relationship ASAP.  But sometimes it’s so tough!  Even if you’ve accepted a relationship may be in fact done, the part of putting yourself back out there is tough.  Especially if you feel like you got hurt the most out of it all.  Sigh! 

Alas, all is not lost!  I think the biggest step to being fabulous and single in the summer is to consider the possibilities.  Don’t smirk or give side eyes to all the couples holding hands (believe me I’ve been there).  I will outline 2 possibilities. 

Embrace possibility #1: FASHION!  Summer is the time to be spectacular and the advantage goes to the ladies!  Dresses, skirts, bright/bold colors, shorts, off the shoulder shirts, tank tops, accessories, fun hair—those are a few of my favorite staples but the point is you can be you times 10!  Though summer means less fabric, you can still be confident and classy while not looking crazy in this heat.  Takeaway: Be comfortable!

Possibility #2: See and be seen.  Okay, so you’ve got your look down, now it’s time to hit the town! Err, WHAT?  Lol, No I don’t mean club it up.  If you’re like me, that’s the last thing you want to do.  But if you are like me than things like outdoor live music (I swoon for any kind of rhythmic jazz) or outdoor cafes with friends is right up your alley.  When you have a good time 1) you’re distracted from all the lovey-dovey couples and 2) you’re glowing from the inside and out and you never know whose watching you smile!

My goal for this summer is to work on being the best I can be at this moment.  While I won’t ever lower my standards or give up complete control, I just want to work on being *SLIGHTLY* less guarded and just have fun.  I’ll NEVER give up on love because I know I will one day meet the man who is also in the same state of mind as I.  Right now, I just want to expand my circle.  I think that’s the most important thing after a break up or even just a relationship/dating break.  Rather than rush into the arms of the next one (which may feel temporarily good but will only exacerbate heartache), I want to just get to know more people and learn more about myself, my interests, and just the art of interaction.  Love will come but LIFE is here and meant to be experienced to the fullest.  So no excuses, let your metaphoric hair down and do your thing!

If I can end this post with one message, one goal for summer, it would be to just BE!  Live, laugh, and most importantly have fun!  It's cliche but the BEST things DO come to those who wait.  Why settle for junk food when you can have the meal of a lifetime?

~One love~