Keeps on Ticking

I’ve been single for six months and my friends are hammering me to get out there and date again. I’m not sure I’m ready to put myself out there, mainly because I’m not over my Ex. How can I get them off my back?

Bravely them the truth- you’re not ready to go there just yet…. and repeat if necessary. It’s difficult to fault their intention because they simply want you to be happy, but being happy means being ready for it. You’re exceptionally wise for not jumping into the pool until you’re ready to swim; it’s the responsible choice for both you and your potential dates. Let the time tick away as long as you need it to and when you’re ready, dive in with a big splash!

“When are you guys having a baby?” has been the question of the year, and it started at my wedding reception! What’s the polite way to tell people to back off?

Timelines can be bad enough when we make our own, let alone when others attempt to make them for us. The Baby Question is the worst because there may be several reasons why couples aren’t starting a family, ranging from fertility issues to the desire to remain childless. I find it best to smile and say, “Someday maybe, but I promise you’ll be the absolute first person I call to babysit!”. That usually makes the asker change the subject in a flash!

How do you know it’s time to take your relationship to the next level?

If you have to ask, then you’re not ready. When you feel- really feel- that it’s time for the next level of commitment, you’ll be doing it without question.