When I was younger, I was very much set in my ways. I knew what I liked and what I didn't like. And I wasn't very adventurous. But then I started hanging out with people with varied interests and tastes and ... I learned maybe I need to try some new things to see if I like them.
I touched on this a little over a year ago, and you can check out that entry
here.
Lately, I realized I need to add a few more things to the list:
Hockey
This year, I bought a ticket package to the Iowa Wild, the local minor league hockey affiliate. I went into it knowing the basics about hockey (I know there's a goalie and they try to get the puck in the net), but not much else. In just three games, I've already learned so much more about some of the penalties and strategies on the ice. I've also seen lots of broken sticks and had three pucks fly into my section a few weeks ago, but that's just the fun part, right?
Sushi & Thai cuisine
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| The Des Moines roll at Cool Basil. So delicious! |
Food has always been a close-minded subject for me. I grew up eating only American foods and the occasional Mexican dish (OK, OK ... mostly tacos and quesadillas). A few years ago, some friends insisted I try sushi. They even eased me in with some of the basic rolls. Now, occasionally, I crave it. And don't even get me started on Thai. I could eat the avocado green curry at Cool Basil every week and not get tired of it.
Dating guys who are divorced/parents
I used to automatically dismiss a guy with kids and/or an ex-wife. It just didn't appeal to me, and I didn't think I could handle that kind of baggage. As I've gotten older, I've been around more people who fall into this category and I decided kids and divorce aren't the deal breaker they used to be. Honestly, a lot of my former deal breakers have been cut, but this is probably the biggest one. Despite what people seem to think, I'm really not that picky in the dating world. And I'm certainly not as particular as I used to be.
Having kids
I used to think being a mom was a certainty in my future. Heck, a few years ago, I even started researching and planning to have one on my own since I didn't see any relationships on the horizon. These days, I'm not so sure about parenthood. I adore my friends' kiddos, but I just don't know if I'm equipped to have one of my own. Being a parent is hard work, expensive, and exhausting. And I'm not even sure I want any. I have the occasional bout of longing, but it's not very intense. You probably think I'm strange now or not a real woman, but I don't care. Kids should always be wanted, and I'm just not there right now. Of course, Eva Mendes said that too (see her above), but now she has a kid with Ryan Gosling, so ... I suppose there's a possibility I'll change my mind again.
What are some things you've changed your mind about over the years?
I'm curious how kids will go for me. My thought process on that has gone up and down. I wonder partially if it's an age thing. In high school and before all I wanted was kids one day then through college until now I didn't really think kids was meant for me. Now, in my mid 20s while the thought of kids still doesn't feel completely right there's been this tension of "But maybe..." and I wonder if it's due to all my friends starting to have kids. Will this change as I get older and want them more? Or will I realize if it's only a societal thing?
ReplyDeleteI flip flop all the time on wanting to have kids. Some days I really do, other days I absolutely don't. So, I guess we'll see. And I love some Thai food!! Haven't gotten on the sushi train though. I love this post idea! :)
ReplyDeleteI wanted children from the time I can remember until I got out of my first long-term relationship (which ended with a broken engagement) and now I REALLY am glad it didn't happen. I occasionally get pangs and the idea of not being able to have the kind of relationship I have with my mother with a little version of me sometimes makes me long for that but ultimately I enjoy the way I live my life much too much to bring a little person into it for me. I'm very happy being an Auntie.
ReplyDeleteI'm 38 and I don't want kids. I never have but I used to say I did because I thought it was what you were supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fantastic that you're open to evolving opinions about things. That is so important. I used to be totally set on wanting kids and really uncomfortable with the idea of being a step-mother. But now that I'm in a relationship with someone who has kids and doesn't want anymore, I feel a lot of pressure has been lifted. For one thing, I'm almost 40 and not at all excited about the idea of changing diapers and all the stuff that comes with kids that aren't already at school age. Now I don't have to worry about it or feel guilty if I don't have those things.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I try to be open minded in my old age too. I even tried sushi for the first time two years ago, but never went back. Ha! I just don't like seafood. I'm glad you're having fun at the hockey games. We love it!! Be careful with those pucks though. My mom got hit in the head and needed staples! She's never gone back and is so nervous every time we go to a game. Haha! My brother had a strict no-kid dating rule and ended up with some really immature girls because of it. He's now dating someone with a 18-month old and they are happy. I'm glad that's not off the table for you.
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