Traits I look for in a guy I want to date:

  • Creative. I’d rather do something fun on a date than the same old things everyone does.
  • Brave. I want a guy who will make the first move, push past the awkwardness that newness brings. Also, it takes a brave man to face my family.
  • Outgoing. I suck at small talk and introductions, and want a guy who can bridge that gap between me and him, and us and everyone else. Because I’m very bad at it.
  • Patient. Perhaps I’m a bit different than the “modern single girl,” but I can’t hop in the sack on the first date. Or the fifth. Or the twelfth. Actually I’ve got no timeline, but I’ve got to be comfortable enough to take my clothes off for someone new, and that always takes time.
  • Brainy. I like me a smart guy, and a guy who can talk about a wide variety of topics.

Unfortunately, while I value these things, I don’t always get them. Creative often goes out the window, along with Brave. The last three guys I’ve dated, I was the one who made the first move, the one who pushed for more. And they were all introverted; we’ve always become “those people” who never go out or do anything. Which is odd, because I love to go places, see things.

This time on the dating-go-round, I’m going to hold out. I’m not going to be the one who makes the first move. I’m not going to settle for the same old things.

And you know what? It’s going to be awesome. I’m going to learn how to be single again. How to have fun on my own, and with guys. Exclusivity is overrated.

So I’ll be looking for these traits in the guys I date. I may be ready to settle down, but I’m not ready to settle for second best. Variety is the name of the game this year. And I’m going to have a blast.

– “London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines,” A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out: Panic at the Disco