Recently, I found myself preparing for a date. Picture this: I was pulling toy darts out of my heels while assisting my daughter with her post-shower hair routine. With just 20 minutes to whip up a quick dinner, I spent more time contemplating a meal that wouldn’t leave me smelling like a greasy diner than I did choosing my outfit.
I decided on sandwiches—quick, easy, and perfect for an evening in front of the TV. This way, I could afford a few extra minutes for mascara and a dab of lip gloss before heading out. As I spread jelly on the bread, I jotted down a note to make their favorite enchiladas the next evening—just a little guilt relief for taking time away from them.
Dating as a single mom is a far cry from my carefree 20s, where I would dedicate an entire Saturday to prepping for a night out. Back then, I would pamper myself with manicures and spend hours experimenting with outfits. Now, the excitement is still there, but it’s often overshadowed by the reality of juggling parenting responsibilities. We don’t skip self-care because we feel undeserving; it’s simply that our time is stretched thin by a million other commitments.
When it comes to dining out, single moms aren’t looking for extravagant experiences. We know that genuine connections can happen over burgers and fries just as easily as they do at fancy restaurants. After all, some of our best conversations unfold in the car while we share snacks with our kids. If we choose to spend time away from them, rest assured that we genuinely like you.
As a single parent, we are acutely aware of our surroundings and how our dating choices might affect our children. Sharing custody often means that we’re hyper-vigilant about our emotional well-being. I always make it clear to potential partners that my kids come first—three wonderful kids, to be exact. If that’s a dealbreaker for someone, it saves us both from unnecessary heartache.
The nurturing instinct that comes with motherhood often spills over into our dating lives. We become attuned to others’ needs, whether it’s recognizing discomfort or offering a snack. If you need something—be it tissues or a snack—just ask; our bags are often like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag, full of surprises.
You might think I’m biased as a single mother navigating the dating scene, but let me assure you, we bring a lot to the table. Between managing work, cleaning, and caring for our families, we relish any chance to seize the moment, be it a late-night swim or an impromptu movie date.
Single moms understand our value. We must be at our best for our children, as we don’t have a partner to lean on. Even if we show up to a date smelling like grilled cheese, know that we are still incredible individuals with no time for nonsense. Our focus is on what truly matters—like stopping our kids from having Nerf gun battles in our closet.
For more insights on the complexities of parenting and dating, check out this article here. And if you’re curious about family planning options, consider reading about at-home insemination kits here. Additionally, this resource from the Mayo Clinic on IVF can provide valuable information for anyone considering pregnancy here.