The Unknown (M14)

Right now, I am focused on taking care of myself - health, food, choices. 

What I think is most misunderstood about being a single man is that it is not always arrived at by choice.

Man 14 (M14) is 33 years old. Not long ago he moved back to Kansas City for a relationship. An, at times long distance relationship he had been in for six years. That relationship came to an end for, in my opinion, what amounts to a very honest reason.

They were in different places.
They saw the path forward differently.
Ultimately, the choice was made to be honest with themselves and each other. 
They admitted that they did not want the same thing at the same time and maybe they never would.

So often couples can't see the relationship forest for the trees. Not the case here. I'm sure it was a difficult decision. Kudos to them for coming to terms with where they were at.

All About Me (It's a Woman Thing) (W5)

"I feel powerful when I do something I am afraid of and I conquer it." Not everyone is comfortable admitting that but on some level I think we all feel that way. No matter the fear(s) conquering them is empowering. If you can just get up the nerve to do it.

Based on our conversation Woman 5 (W5) has been conquering fears her whole life. I don't know that she has necessarily been cognizant of it but her story is one of overcoming obstacles, believing for the best, and staying the course. I would characterize this 44 year old mother of three as a breath of fresh air.

When she wants to get out and enjoy herself she enjoys doing something physical. She specifically noted running 5k's at the top of her list. She likes music saying there are too many venues she likes to even try to name them. If it's Spring or Summer she likes to see concerts at Starlight. She told me one of her favorite concert memories is seeing James Taylor with her daughter.

She definitely knows what she doesn't like. "I don't like hard rock, opera, and please don't take me to the ballet."

Chapter 2: KC (M3)

"You don't have to share but you miss sharing." - Man 3 

(That pretty much sums it up my friends.) 

We met at Charlie Hooper's AKA my favorite bar. We had a really fun conversation. I would describe him as being young at heart. He is 39 years old which clearly is younger and more fun than it used to be.

M3 told me that people think being a single guy is easy and fun. While he agreed that it can be fun he said it's also a lot of work. "You have to do all the cooking, cleaning, ironing, and pay all the bills. I have to socialize, hire contractors, fix things; do everything alone." We agreed that it's the little things that add up sometimes. 

So, he is a musician. A self-taught guitar player and a drummer. He has his undergrad in music and taught music for period of time. Now he plays in local bars around KC from time to time with friends. (I must see this!)

Trust Yourself (M2)

"I hate TV; the only channel I actually enjoy is PBS. I enjoy playing guitar, riding my bike, and hanging out with friends."

He shared his view on KC music venues saying Starlight is his favorite for a concert. He likes Knuckleheads and the Clarette Club for smaller venues. (The Clarette! I had to smile. My Grandma used to go there. It is great for darts and pool. What a dive.)

Part of our discussion was about books we are reading and where we get our recommendations. He said one of his favorites is The Journals of Lewis and Clark (Lewis & Clark Expedition). He said he thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it highly.

Man 2 (M2) agreed to meet with me out of curiosity. A mutual friend made the invitation and he said that coming from someone he trusted and liked he agreed without hesitation or question. When I arrived to meet him he had not seen the blog and really didn't know what it was about other than meeting single people. He felt the interview was a chance for introspection.