<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/online-dating.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-4409" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/online-dating-200x143.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="143" /></a>My ongoing search for a "significant other" continues. There have been some near matches (some good, others not so good) and every time it ends there is a feeling of disappointment. I find it difficult to get to know people in a climate of high expectations and even harder to make the decision to walk away. Usually one or other party loses interest, discovers something that isn't "right" (whatever that means) or collectively cannot find the time or energy to maintain the connection. Matters of the heart remain a mystery to me.

And then you start all over again... Is it worth it? Hopefully because life has little meaning if it isn't being shared with someone else. My search so far has led me to meet 12 lovely people who have been interesting and a few of whom have got past the two date level. The first date is quite straightforward, the second date is critical and the third date - well if either of us make it to a third date then it is likely to last at least a month. I haven't always behaved honourably (that's by my standards) and I have annoyed a few people on this journey. I've learned something from every encounter; my strengths and weaknesses are more apparent and there are some things about myself I didn't even know. I will endeavour to enjoy the journey, avoid becoming fixated on the outcome and develop a sense of humour about it all. As someone who is prone to plan everything, I enjoy change as long it is from a stable foundation however I don't have any stability other than from my inner strength and very good friends around me. Onwards and upwards...