Cue the Frozen tunes because, for the first time in forever there’ll be music, there’ll be light because for the first time in forever I’m okay with being single. In fact, it is the happiest I think I have ever been.
Throughout high school I was in two relationships, two very opposite, and I mean polar opposite, relationships. While both pained me in different ways, I treasure the memories that were made in both relationships. Each boy taught me lessons about how you treat others and how I should be treated as a young lady. More important, these young men showed me that I had a lot of studying to do on this book called, “The Art of Being Meg,” a tale that is still currently being written by Meg MacDonald (cough cough that would be me if you didn’t catch on).
For the past year and a half I’ve spent my time dating, realizing the characteristics I value in a man and, of course, discovering the version of myself that I think is most beautiful in my eyes.
With that being said, it’s time for me to share a story. This chapter from my book, “The Art of Being Meg” will be titled, The Date That Is Always On Time. (By the way, in no way am I writing a book titled “The Art of Being Meg”, do you realize how incredibly cocky that sounds? Just think of an extremely sarcastic Kristen Bell narrating the tale).
It started on a beautiful sunny Boston afternoon, clouds scattered the sky and breeze swept the sailboats right across the Charles River. As I sat at my desk waiting for my next assignment, I received an email from our main office, a confirmation for this evening’s performance at the theatre. I had two front row center Dress Circle tickets to see Broadway’s performance of Newsies at the Boston Opera House.
As a smile burst onto my face, the wheels in my head immediately started to turn: "What was I to wear? There was no way I could wear the outfit I had on. What was I going to eat before the show? Most important, WHO was going to attend the show with me?" Thoughts of attendees ran through my head and I feverishly texted loved ones, dear friends, and even some acquaintances. No one was available. And I truly mean no one.
The thought of going to a show alone seemed to make me chuckle, who does that anyway? I would look pathetic or like I got stood up. No way. But then again, who is going to pass up front row Dress Circle tickets to one of the most talked about musical performances of the year? Not me, that’s who.
I decided to make use of the tickets and spice this night up all on my own. It was time that I got dolled up and fancy for no one else but myself. That’s right, I went to Lilly Pulitzer on Newbury Street, found myself a cute new dress and was ready for my date. I had called my favorite Chinese restaurant in downtown Boston to make a reservation… for one, by the window of course. And lastly, I made a call to a favorite bakery to pick up a treat for myself before the show, which, by the way, was INCREDIBLE.
Throughout the night, I took advantage of the opportunity to spoil myself, to pamper myself and to love myself. There was no bickering on who wanted to do what, contemplating what type of restaurant “we” wanted to go to and enduring long awkward pauses that I know we all experience. This night was about me.
It is nights like these that I find myself learning more and more about myself. What I should be treated like, and what truly makes me happy. In this case, some Lo Mein noodles and pineapple chicken.
So please, indulge in nights like these, I beg of you, if not for me then for your own sanity. You'll thank me later. And hey, just think, you won't ever have to deal with a date who is late.
