In life there is a series of events that happen. For each person some of these events may be a little out of order, or deviate from tradition. For everyone though, it mostly starts the same. First you’re born, you go through the early stages of learning, then there’s about 13 years of school. For some it might be one of the highlights of your life. Many people really enjoy the four years of high school. I found I enjoyed the three years of middle school, but I couldn’t wait to graduate high school.

After four years of high school, this is where the time line may start to become skewed. Most people would normally go to college. Some end up working and going to school simultaneously. Some have a kid and drop out of college. Some get married while still attending college.

As for myself, here was my trend: I took some time off from school. Kind of a discovery phase while I was also searching for a job. When I couldn’t find a job, naturally, I went back to school. Shortly after getting back into school myself, my best friend became pregnant and nine months later, I was a godmother. Sounds pretty cool, right?

Around this time, I was also starting to date. I figured it might also be time to try to find my soul mate. I wasn’t looking to just hook up and have a baby. I wanted a real relationship first. I still believe in some traditions and guidelines. To the guy I met while in college, sorry it didn’t work out, but you brought it on yourself. I’m glad that didn’t last and it taught me more about what I want and expect in a relationship.

By the time I had dropped out of college, due to a full time job that made scheduling school impossible, I had also moved out on my own. At the same time that happened, I was asked to be another friend’s bridesmaid. I thought, sure, why not? Maybe I might even meet someone I would be interested in. Sadly, no such luck. But that seemed to be step one in my own trend.

Now, I’ve been asked by the best friend to be her maid of honor. Let me tell you, that can be as stressful as being a bride, I think. This time, I don’t think I’m meeting anyone I don’t already know. After all, being the best friend, you kind of get to meet both sides of the family, including the groom’s, but perhaps this is phase two.

I don’t believe in always the bridesmaid, never the bride. There has to be some trick. Maybe my trick is to follow the phases. I’ve been a bridesmaid, I’m currently a maid of honor. Surely bride must be next!

Now I know what you’re thinking, how is that going to happen? Who do you have in mind? Don’t you need a guy to even be thinking about that? Well, here’s a small note for Mr. Right: It doesn’t take much to please this girl. All I ask is a willingness to work together. Compassion, humor and generosity are a must for my guy. And please be passionate about what you do. It doesn’t have to make you a lot of money or make you famous, but some drive to become something is important.

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. I don’t think so. Been a bridesmaid. I’m a maid of honor. And I will be a bride. Sometimes you just have a feeling. Maybe it’s the wedding vibes I’m getting from being a maid of honor, but I truly believe the next phase is being a bride.