I stumbled upon a journal I had started and abandoned in November of 2021. It was fascinating to read what I had been so concerned about just a short year ago. A whole paragraph was devoted to wanting a relationship – a boyfriend. And so it was on December 1 of 2021, I signed up for my first foray into online dating. Faithful accounts of that experience have been previously posted so there is no need for a re-cap except to say that I learned something very important. All the swiping, the texting, the coffees etc., helped me to realize I was searching for something I didn’t want after all. Figuring that out was well worth the price of admission.

What I really wanted was a distraction, a new way to spend time, explore new interests, and have some fun. But the real work and commitment of a relationship? Nope, not interested. I just couldn’t get enthusiastic about getting to know someone in that context. 

But… I still felt like I needed something extra in my life. What did I want?

This past September, I signed up for a different online adventure. I’m referring to my writing course. It has turned out to be a lot of work, enormously time consuming, and expensive to boot. On the other hand, it is fascinating, mostly fun, a brilliant distraction and sometimes a genuine pain in the ass. 

Sounds like a boyfriend right?

I am smitten.

Yes, I think this course and I are definitely in a relationship. Perhaps we have been spending a bit too much time together and although I think we should slow things down, I’m willing to commit to the long term.

Lastly, I been given evidence that some of you have inquiring minds. (Insert winky face here.) As an update I can tell you that although I do not want a boyfriend, I have a casual relationship with someone who wants the same level of engagement without encroachment that I do. Works for both of us.

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  Facebook or email.