10 Signs You're Ready for Anything

Are you ready for a relationship... with yourself? Before inviting company over, you gotta make sure your house is in order. Clean out the emotional cobwebs, fine-tune that laser focus and KNOW you're ready for whatever comes next.

How you're doing ready, the right way.

1. Articulate your worldview. You know who you are and what you stand for. Your beliefs and values are clear to others through your words and actions.

2. Kids, pet babies and potted plants. What gives you the warm fuzzies and what makes you want to run for the hills? Everyone seems to have an opinion about kids (when, where and whether to have them) and pets (does three cats make me a TLC show?). Happiness starts with self-knowledge and self-acceptance. When you have that, you can smile through the well-intentioned advice and politely respond that you're just fine with the knowledge that you'll never be able to keep a potted plant alive. And, if the time is right, you'll make sure to get on the same page with a potential mate.

3. Your finances are on point. Spending rent money on bottle service might be how Katy Perry do, but the rest of us know that long-term success requires a long-term plan. Got a budget, retirement plan and insurance? With your finances under control you're less likely to cohabitate for the wrong reasons. And you enjoy the indulgences you buy yourself more since you don't owe anyone for your happiness. Not even Visa.

4. Make peace with the past. Our experiences growing up can overshadow our present if we let them. Forgiving family members, old friends and old flames is freeing. Forgiving yourself is remarkable beyond words.

5. Get committed. You know what you want and you're doing it. It could be a professional goal, a relationship or a hobby that you are "too old" to pursue. You know the secret is changing the question from "can I?" to "how will I?"

6. Age is just a number. You're not too old, just ask Betty White. And you're not too young, just Google "Top YouTube Earners." It doesn't matter if 40 is the new 20 or 30 is the new 80. You're here now - keep being awesome!

7. Conflict resolution. You see arguments and conflict as a natural part of life. You take these opportunities to grow intellectually and emotionally, knowing that the best way to squash drama is to handle issues up front and honestly.

8. Love big! You give hugs, make time for the people you care about and say the words out-loud: "I love you."

9. Define your dreams. Do you want to travel the world? Marry your soulmate? Start an online shoe store? Great! Now get cracking on this case like a modern day gum shoe. Be clear about the why as well as the who, what, where and how. Understanding your motivation will drive you to your true heart's content and help you steer clear of imposters.

10. No one is perfect. Not even you. When you make a mistake or struggle with an unforseen obstacle, take a deep breath and forgive yourself. Remember the Diamond Rule: treat yourself as you would like to be treated.

Cheers!
Betty

This list was inspired by Glamour's "10 Signs You're Marrying the Right Person"

Bare naked

Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the freedoms we have by being single.   Starting with small things like picking what restaurant to get take out from or making your own concoctions without suggestions when cooking.  Deciding last minute that you will take a weekend off in another city or staying at home without agenda.  Movie days without compromise and the unquestionable ability to blast Alanis Morissette while vacuuming your living room naked with a bottle of your favorite wine (no glass – pushed the cork to the bottom so you’re totally committed and the shades down so your neighbors don’t see).   

To answer your question:  Yes however no pockets were involved and I don’t smoke…. Now put that judging eyebrow back in its place- Thank you very much!

Not only that… Your married/relationship friends secretly admire this… They especially enjoy hearing about your various escapades. They may or may not be slightly jealous and they've definitely take a few tips from your bag of tricks. Some may have been disastrous but you have got to give them credit for trying. 

Anyway – A point I’d like to instill is that being single is awesome!!!  It’s not a special club where you have to have VIP to get into.  You are your own VIP.   You get the time to know exactly who you are and appreciate YOU.  Honestly I think it makes you’re a stronger more in tune person.  You know your limitations, when to push them and when to call it a night.   You know exactly what you want and will not put up anything less.   

The best piece of advice I can give is to take a moment to enjoy this experience.  I'm not saying that things will deflate when you meet someone but to be a better partner to that person and have more significant relationships when you are ready (of course).  Don’t try to force, prolong relationships or settle on relationships that are nothing more than just available because your heart deserves to be loved and nurtured in a manner that is loving and real without effort.  Don’t be anything but yourself because keeping up a facade is way too much effort and only ends in the truth coming out so why not just be honest from the start.

You are amazing and I will leave you with this quote from one of the best and most informative shows about dating…

"Some people are settling down, some people are settling and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies." - Sex in the City

Lets Be Single

T