Since the big transition, i've been a member of the eHarmony community. At the time it seemed like a great idea: you take their personality profile, which reveals your strengths and weaknesses; you pick out a few of the more superficial things that you require; and their system goes into their community of members and builds "matches" based on compatibility.

Sounds simple enough, but just like the actual dating world... nothing is that simple.

For instance, last week i'm matched up with possibly the first young lady i've gotten excited about since signing up. She apparently liked what she read in the "about me" section, because she initiated contact first.

We actually made it all of the way to step 3, but she read something she didn't like in my "must haves/can't stands," because she closed the match before i could even see hers.

What bothered me about her closing the match was that i didn't even get to see hers, and compare them and ask questions about them... which the manual states we should do. What if there was only one thing? I guess i'll never know.

Combine that with the fact that i'm still in a very fluid and transitional state. What i put in my profile today, i might possibly strike tomorrow. I guess i'm just not that quick to discount someone who might just be eligible.

I think it's important to keep an open mind... what's wrong with that?

In that vein, last night i attended a speed dating event. I figured it would be a fun experience if nothing else... but didn't go in with any expectations.

All in all, it was a fun evening... and i did meet a couple of ladies i wouldn't mind getting to know better.

Last night, i meant to bring my 'A' game, but i'm still having difficulty relaxing and finding my focus after a crazy day. Some nights i do alright, but last night wasn't one of them.

However, my 'B' game may have been good enough. I was charming, playful, and dressed to kill. I guess we'll see when the event coordinators compile the results!

Now, i suppose it's worth stating that i'm not sure i believe online dating or speed dating can and will work for me. I have grown a lot over the last several months, and i am a lot more confident and comfortable when talking to new women. So, am i wasting my time with these activities? No, because i'm still gaining experiences and being social... and who knows? I could find that special young lady anywhere... even in the ether!

I'm no longer ready to settle down... i want to play the field for a bit longer before i find her. I think of all of those opportunities i passed up (and the one that i didn't) while i was involved, and i'm working towards atoning for those regrets. If i had only known how things would go down... i'd have played it a lot different.

Which leads me to my blog find of the day:

You don't even know the meaning of the words “I'm sorry.” You said you would love me until you die, and as far as I know you're still alive.

For what it's worth, i like the quote... and i can relate to it... but i really am happier than i've been in years and i have so much to do and look forward to that she would only get in my way.

I will find my princess(es). =^)