The other night, I was preparing for a date. Picture this: I was pulling foam darts out of my heels while helping my son fix his hair after a bath. With only 20 minutes to whip up a quick dinner, I found myself more concerned about avoiding cooking smells than picking the perfect outfit. I figured some sandwiches would do the trick — quick, easy, and perfect for an evening in front of the TV. Plus, it left me just enough time to apply an extra coat of mascara before hitting the road.
As I slathered jelly on the bread, I made a mental note to cook their favorite enchiladas for dinner the next night, feeling slightly guilty about my dining choices. It’s always a balancing act, but it made me feel better to think ahead.
Dating as a single mom is quite different than it was in my 20s when I had all day to prepare for a night out. Back then, I would pamper myself with manicures, ensure I was hair-free everywhere, and spend hours trying on outfits. Now, the excitement of dating is still alive, but the prep time is drastically shorter. We don’t spend hours getting ready because we have a million other responsibilities to juggle. Our primary role is as mothers, and that always comes first.
Single moms aren’t necessarily looking for extravagant dinners either; it’s not a matter of lowered expectations. We know that genuine connections can happen over burgers and fries just as easily as they can at the finest restaurant. After all, some of my best conversations have taken place while my kids munch on Goldfish crackers in the backseat.
Our time is precious, and if we’re spending it away from our children, it’s because we genuinely like you. We are also very attuned to the vibes you give off. If we sense that you’re not on the same wavelength, we won’t hesitate to move on. Heartbreak is a part of life, but as single moms, we’ve learned to anticipate it and protect ourselves — there’s no room for settling.
Many of us share custody, which means we’re hyper-aware of how we parent. I’m always upfront about being a mom, and when I tell a potential date that I have two kids, I’m not hiding anything. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, it’s best to find out early so we can both save time.
Being nurturing is second nature for us mothers. I never thought I would bring that trait on dates, but I’ve been told I do. I can pick up on if someone feels uncomfortable or needs something. So if you find yourself in need of a snack or some aspirin, just ask — we probably have it stashed in our bags.
Maybe I’m biased as a single mom dating again, but we truly know how to have fun. Our limited free time means we make the most of it, whether that’s enjoying a swim in the ocean or sharing a passionate kiss at the movies. We cherish every moment.
Single moms understand our worth. We bring our best selves to our kids since there’s no partner to lean on — it’s just us against the world. Sure, we might carry the scent of grilled cheese sandwiches on a first date, but we’re still remarkable individuals with little time for nonsense. Our focus is on more important matters, like stopping our kids from turning the living room into a Nerf battleground.
In summary, dating as a single mom can be a unique experience filled with joy and challenges. We prioritize our children while still making time for connections and fun. We are fiercely protective of our time and emotional well-being, ensuring that any potential partner aligns with our values and lifestyle.