Be yourself. All the time.

It's hard enough to friend friends and lovers who are respectful, likable and fun. But how do you surround yourself with people who are like this all the time? People who are the same when you're alone with them or when your friends are around. When you're around and when you're not.

I have one friend who's dating a guy who seems to be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When she's around, he treats her like she's the center of the universe. When she's not, he's an arrogant bastard. They've broken up at least three times in the few months they've dated, so it can't be a healthy relationship. Now I refuse to be around her when he's around, and she never mentions him to me any more.

My friends are all warm, smart and sincere. Truly amazing. But I'm not so good at finding the right guys - guys that are lovers. Okay, I'm bad at it.

One of my better qualities is looking for the good in everyone. But then I overlook the bad, so it's also a weakness. 

A couple of men I've been out with since I became single are interesting and intelligent. But they have some faults. I'm not totally blind, but it takes a while for me to see these qualities since they tend to be on good behavior when it's just us. When I'm not around, sometime the bad is worse than I think.

I'm starting to learn how important it is for men to treat me the same around others as they do when it's just us. And it should always be respectful. Always. No rationalizing. No overlooking. No excuses.

I'm sure I'll make some mistakes along the way, but I learn from each one. Now I hope I can not repeat the mistakes.

All of us single girls need a partner who's genuine. Real. Consistent. Most of all, respectful - to us, to our friends, to the wait staff. To everyone. All the time. Because we deserve it.

Love to the single girls,
Addison