The lonely pursuit of Mr Right
Singles Caroline Gillespie and Tim Filippi at The Orient Hotel in The Rocks. Sydney dating scene. Picture: Rohan Kelly Source: The Daily Telegraph
Daily Telegraph Journalist Melissa Matheson. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: The Daily Telegraph
OPRAH Winfrey called them light bulb moments - those times in life when you come to a great realisation.
My latest light bulb moment came courtesy of Santa Claus - and my mother.
While running through the family gift list with Mum last week, she uttered what can only be described as the most embarrassing question I've ever been asked: "Did you ask Santa for a boyfriend for Christmas?" After recovering from the shock, I had to admit she had a point.
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Firstly, as every parent will tell you, Mum and Dad reserve the right to embarrass their children, even as adults.
Secondly, I am 30 and single, which in generations gone by would have automatically labelled me an old maid or just plain sad.
I'm not sad, just for the record, but I did get a massive slap across the face recently when two of my friends sent me a single invitation to their January wedding.
Gallery: And you thought your dates were tragic...
No plus-one, no option of taking a wingman or even faking a relationship just to prevent al! l the random guests from asking me that dreaded and, let's face it, rude question: "Haven't you found a nice man yet?"
Now, I'm by no means suggesting my dear friends didn't want to pay for the extra seat just for my comfort. You don't have to be a bridezilla to know weddings are expensive. My friends just assumed I was still single. And they were right.
I am happy to say that at my loveless age I can stand on my own two feet and I have a pretty good understanding of who I am as a person, if I do say so myself.
But what if no one wants to be with that kind of person?
What if I've scared all the men away?
Love snobs ruining their chances of happiness
Many moons ago, one of my loved-up male friends tried to warn me that my independence and confidence put out a vibe that I didn't need anyone. My reaction was to tear his head off. (Guys, just as a warning, that whole outer confidence thing is a facade. I'm really terrified of meeting new people. There, I've said it.)
OK, so I've made some mistakes in the dating scene. Actually, I'm downright crap at dating.
I'm opinionated, outspoken and at times emotionally cruel to men - all very bad qualities for husband hunting apparently - but worst of all I've been chickenshit for too long and failed to go after the guys that I've actually fancied.
I've always sat back and waited for the dude to approach me - then judged him on his appearance, choice of drink and pick-up line.
So yeah, I probably don't deserve a boyfriend, but that hasn't stopped me from hoping that there is a Mr Right out there for me.
As the new year approaches I have two choices: wallow in singledom or get out there. I chose the latter. After all, what have I got to lose?