Back to me and back to dating

Now that I'm back in the working world, I feel like I'm ready to be in the dating world again too. While I was unemployed, I pretty much abandoned my online dating profile.  I figured no one would want to date an unemployed girl.  And, let's be honest, I wasn't feeling the greatest about myself during that time, so it wasn't an ideal time to date.

Life is different now.

I've been at my new job for about two weeks and most days, I feel like I'm really getting it.  It's so different from anything I ever thought I'd be doing, but it keeps me busy for eight-plus hours a day.  I know I'm making a difference in people's lives too, even if it's only in a very small, anonymous way. Plus, I work with some really fun people, so that adds to my enjoyment. I didn't anticipate feeling so fulfilled in this role, but I really am.

As a result, my confidence is getting back on track.  I feel good about who I am and what I have to offer. My head is back in a place where I would want to date me, so I'm ready to let other people have a shot as well.  And who wouldn't want to?  I think I'm a pretty great person.  Obviously you agree or you wouldn't be reading my blog, right?

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I'm in no rush to find something serious -- even though most people probably think I should be at age 33.  I mean, that's practically spinster age, right?  The fact is -- I actually really like being single.  I like having my own space, habits, and schedule.  I've been single for so long, it's all I really know. And I feel like I've gotten pretty good at it.

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But I know better than to live in my comfort zone.  So it's time to get out of it.  Dating is definitely way out of my comfort zone.  I feel like it's such a game, and I don't really care for the rules.  If I have a good time, I'm not going to pretend I didn't.  And if I'm free, I'm not going to pretend I'm busy.  I just don't see the point. 

First dates are especially tough for me.  Stupid social anxiety. I can get so anxious about meeting new people, I'll try to talk myself out of doing things.  That is not going to help me.

I'm also the type of person who can get a tunnel vision.  I definitely have a physical and personality type when it comes to guys.  And it seems like the two rarely combine into someone who also likes me.  I'm trying to be more open minded while I'm browsing profiles and not focus so much on how someone looks or a hobby that I don't particularly care about.  It's hard sometimes though.

As anxious as I am, I am also excited about the opportunities (hopefully multiple) to meet some new people and have them get to know me.  I suppose that's the best attitude to take into it.

What's your best advice for dating?