Like Shoes*

Dating is like shopping for shoes. And I kinda’ want to try all different kinds on, since I’ve essentially been wearing the same pair for the past decade.

Sometimes it’s like when you’re walking through the mall just minding your own business, not even looking for shoes when you somehow spot what looks to be the perfect pair for that adorable dress you have hanging in the back of your closet. You decide to try them on, and luckily they have your size. Sometimes they end up be-ing the perfect pair. They’re cute, stylish and comfortable…even priced right! Sometimes you take them home, put on the dress and everything just meshes together better than you could have hoped.

But not usually.

Sometimes you think they’re the perfect pair and in the store they seem to be just that. Until you take them home. Then you put on the dress and realize the shoes are completely the wrong color and what were you thinking anyway?

Sometimes you wear them and feel great at the beginning of the night, but by the end your feet have blisters and are aching to rest. You throw the shoes in the back of your closet, never to be seen again.

Other times, you’re searching, searching for that one pair…your muffled voice from inside the torn-up box: “Didn’t I have….” Or “I thought I…” and then suddenly, Voila! Treasure found. And these shoes – a pair you had completely forgotten about until you bought a stylish pant suit that brought them to mind – work great.

But not usually.

Usually the ones thrown into the back of your closet were discarded for a reason: out of style, out of season, not comfortable….

And then sometimes you throw on your old sneakers. And you relish the feeling. These babies don’t need you to be all dressed up. They don’t even care if you have make-up on or if your hair is thrown up in a I-did-it-without-a-mirror kind of way. They’re just happy to be worn. And then you wonder why you don’t put them on more often.

* This analogy merely reflects how I feel about dating at this very moment and is not necessarily indicative of any past, present or future events in my real life.