Epilogue...

A year ago, my brother Leonard bet me $50 that I would not stay single all 2013.

I took the bet.

December 20th - I lost the bet.

Here's the story in a nutshell:

We've known each other 7 years or so. He is one of Leonard's best friends as they went to college and lived together.

Late this summer we started chatting occasionally. One day in mid-October, while I was in Italy we chatted all day. The next day, again. And again and again.  We haven't stopped talking.

I had a choice to make. Take a chance, or walk away.

Because I was overseas, I didn't want to make a decision until I was back Stateside.  So, when I got back, I visited him, then he came to Maine to visit me and my family. We had a great time.

There was a small part of me that wanted to wait until next year to make it "official" just so I wouldn't lose the bet.  After all, I'd come so far. I was so close. :) But. It was unfair to him. We had already waited. Plus. I didn't want to. Ha.

So. I took the chance.

After we became "official", he surprised me and said "I have something for you." He went to his coat, and took out $50, and handed it to me.

He paid the bet.

I never asked him to.

That's the type of guy he is.

And that is why I lost the bet.

I don't know what the outcome will be…but my daily prayer is...God's will be done.

Thank you to those of you who read the blog this year! :)  It's been quite the year.

And I'm very surprised at it's conclusion. :)


PS - Incase you're wondering….My brother used the $50 to buy lobster, and invited me and my boyfriend (!) over for a double date with him and his wife.

PPS - My mother asked me to add an addendum in order to avoid any confusion: I HAVE NOT GOTTEN MARRIED. This blog, and the bet I made with my brother was in regards to whether I'd be courting a man by the end of the year.  Which, by today's colloquial standards, means you're not "single". Though, legally, I still am.  Until such time as a wedding band goes on the finger. 

Don't take a chance...

How to Stay Single Without Really Trying - Tip #1

• Don't take any chances

Fairly self-explanatory.  Let's say a decent guy comes a long, but you've become so settled, and (though you won't necessarily admit it) you prefer being single. You love the freedom. So you simply write off any decent guy who comes near. You make up some flimsy excuse, and don't explore any options. Even if on paper, things look like they could work really well between you two…..your fear rules. Fear of failure, fear of being hurt. And you let opportunities slip by you. 

I'm not saying to take EVERY opportunity that comes along. But when everything else matches up, and the only thing that remains is your fear.  You'll stay single by not taking a chance. 

I recently became presented with a chance….and had a choice to make.

…Stay tuned for the Epilogue…. 

Be a bum...

How to Stay Single Without Really Trying - Tip #13 & #14

• #13 - Stay in your house all day

• #14 - Play video/computer/iphone/ipad/cell phone games

#13 - Especially when I go home. I don't leave the house. I like it that way. I could stay in one place for a week and be completely ok with that. Only interacting with my family….wearing a tshirt and pajama pants all day.  That doesn't usually allow for meeting anyone new. But. It's ok. :) 

#14 - During these days when I have nothing to do (and, in my regular days when I have any sort of breaks…or while watching TV), I will play copious amounts of iPhone games. (Yours may be different.) I've spent hours getting new high scores on different games.  Lately it's been Candy Crush, Hay Day and the very awesome Frozen Free Fall.  Again. Not conducive to meeting anyone new.  

Basically. Be a bum. I like being a bum. ;-)

Kids...

How to Stay Single Without Really Trying Tip #15

• Go out in public with a handful of younger kids

This tip came as a suggestion from a married friend of mine with kids. She argues she gets more attention from men when she goes out without her kids.  Makes sense.  It's been my experience that when I go out with a handful of kids (be they much younger siblings/nieces/nephews/babysitting charges), people assume they're mine.  The more kids you have with you, the less likely it is that you'll "Meet Mr. Right".  So. Borrow as many kids as you're able. I'm sure your married friends wouldn't mind some time without the kids. :)

Relationship Status...

How to Stay Single Without Really Trying - Tip #22

• Set your Facebook Relationship Status to anything but "Single"

So...I'm guilty, and perhaps many of you are....you friend someone new on facebook....you've just met...so you immediately start stalking (or this could be BEFORE you've met).....you go to their "Info" to see if they're listed as "Single". Chances are, if nothing's listed....they're either A. not looking, or B. "seeing" someone. And of course if it's listed as anything else, then, obviously they're not available.

SO...

I submit if you do not list "single" on your fb page, interested new "fb friends" will be less likely to try and talk to you.  Thereby continuing your single status.


(Not a full-proof tip...but then again, none of these really are. ;-))

Location, Location, Location...

How to Stay Single Without Really Trying - Tip #10

• Live in an area where there are simply no decent, single and available guys. 

This can be the most frustrating. Because it's very much out of your control. I've talked to a handful of girlfriends who feel that, because of their location, it's hard to meet anyone new. 

However, since the goal is to stay single, the location makes it easy. So. I submit to you, move to small towns....in sparsely populated regions. 

And remember, even if you should sign up for an online website, don't respond to communication attempts.  See Tip #4

Hygiene...

It's December!  Crazy!

I'm finishing up my time in Italy!

I have some entries I've been meaning to write, so it will be a mad-dash to get them all in by the end of the year. :) 

How to Stay Single - Tip #8

• Don't Shower

This one should be self-explanatory.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm currently unable to shower as often as I like....so let's just say it's a good thing no one is near me, or I'm sure they'd run away quickly. :)