Sure there are lots of risks when you are on the dating or singles scene but lately I have realized how Risqué it can be to be committed. Funny I use the word committed, as some of the people I've talked to in relationships lately might as well commit themselves to the nearest psych ward or seriously have their head examined.

As a free, white and single woman (as I often refer to myself as) I had an AWESOME summer! I started the season having lots of things that I wanted to do; a summer bucket list so to speak. I feel so fortunate and alive. In the short 3 months we call summer in Maine, I got to do all of the following( and then some):

Golf with Dad for the 1st time - so special.
25 mile bike ride with the posse in an area I never explored before - Happy Memorial Day!
Stand up comedy show at the Hampton Beach Casino - Carlos Mencia, way funny.
Took my best friend from out of town kayaking around Cousins Island to see the seals and got caught out in the middle of the bay in a thunderstorm in the process… always a story buddy.
A night out at Rick's Café in Naples to see a great band - where I danced until my shoe literally broke in two!
The Portland Fireworks from a boat in Casco Bay for the 1st time.
2 trips to Boston with friends - Lost in Paris we love you.
2 trips to Portsmouth out on the town - the Nachos at Pocos ROCK.
Enjoyed watching my friend play her first summer of music gigs at many different venues - I'll always be your 1st manager.
Went for a ride on a Harley with a gorgeous guy - you know who you are.
Saw a live production at the Maine State Theater with my Mom - left me ALL SHOOK UP.
Had a family reunion at my new house - the whole Jersey clan and the house is still standing.
Had my twin nieces' birthday pool party at my house - accompanied by the Hannah Montana shaped cake they requested I make them, mission accomplished! My next career, I swear.
Surfing for the 1st time - thanks to my fabulous instructor!
Lots and lots of BBQs, pool and beach time with many fantastic people - I Love and Cherish all of you.

THEN, when I talked to some of my friends in relationships to see how their summers went and what they did, the list was short:

Worked
Slept

So why are so many of us in such a hurry to be in a relationship and why do so many of us give up our life when we are? Shouldn't the relationship enhance our lives not hold it back? I realize it is natural to slow down a little bit and change some of the activities we do, particularly hanging out in bars to all hours of the night. But you don't see a lot of that on my list of things that were important to me…there is so much to do and so much that life has to offer. It doesn't have to be extravagant, I've done that all too. This summer didn't consist of the luxurious trips to far away places or hip cities for me but it was made special by living in the moment and taking advantage of all the great things we have right here surrounding us in Portland or close by locations.

Nor was my summer spent with just one special person (maybe that will come someday) but instead was enjoyed and enhanced by SO MANY wonderful people, all that are unique to me for the different things they bring to my life.

Love is not a limited supply. It truly is endless. You don't have to limit it just because you are in a relationship (not saying making love, just love). So when you do find that one true love, or if you already have, don't lose the most important person (you) and all the activities and other people you love for other reasons. Keep living; don't fall into the relationship routine. And if you haven't found that special someone, love the one you're with!

Forever,
Isabella