Me - My Time (W16)

I chose to be single so I could focus on raising my kid. I tried dating and it just didn't work.

Woman 16 (W16) is 48 years old. Over the last year her daughter graduated from high school, she changed jobs, is contemplating moving a new home, and is thinking of trying out online dating.

I anticipated some conversation about empty nest syndrome or major realizations about life as a single, adult woman. That is not what I got. Even though she was focused on raising her daughter and making a living she found plenty of time for self discovery. She is not unclear about who she is or what she wants. She was honest and contemplative while we talked. She didn't have all of the answers. People are rarely so honest and open about not knowing what is coming next in life.

People misunderstand what it's like to be a single mom. It changes your perspective on things. I had to work a lot. I like what I do and it was my primary social outlet for a long time.  When I lost my Dad to cancer I went to work. It kept me from being alone. My work saved my life.

The Struggle (M12)

I think that people think being a single guy is so simple. They are wrong.

32 years old, from a small town in Missouri, Man 12 (M12) was a fun interview right from the word go. If you know me you won't be surprised to hear that I was late to arrive for the interview.  He was half way through his first beer when I sat down and, while he didn't know what to expect, seemed ready to spill.

On his way to meet me he picked up a call that unexpectedly delivered news that a good friend had died in an accident. That's right -- that happened. Tragic but true, part of our conversation was about how life gets cut short. Amazing people are lost unexpectedly. The people they love are left behind and, in a moment, your perspective is forever changed. It was a great moment to be near him and hear his candid thoughts about life, relationships, and finding ourselves in the midst of it all.

So, off we went...

?... (M8)

I love big brains. Seriously. One of my favorite things is stumbling into a conversation someone who
is crazy smart, or well read, or super interesting.

This interview was a perfect example of a conversation with an intelligent, curious person who enjoys life.

Man 8 (M8) is 39 years old working in medical device sales and marketing. He travels frequently for work and for fun.

When my friend suggested I be interviewed for your blog I said yes with no hesitation. He asked and I said yes. Man 8 told me that from his view point the thing people most misunderstand about being a single man is that  he don't have as much free time as people assume. (Like all single people he either has to handle everything or find someone else to do it and pay them. His statement gave me flashbacks to my Dad saying that he had kids to do laundry, dishes, vacuum and mow the lawn.)

Not Using "My Prime" Sufficiently (W11)

I once ran a camera on Steven Tyler when Aerosmith was in concert at Verizon Amphitheatre. He was right in my face. It is my favorite concert memory. (Seriously, that is the coolest job story I have ever heard!)

Woman 11 (W11) also likes venues such as The Midland and Crossroads. Her taste in music is varied including The Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, Allison Krause, and Amos Lee.

She feels most powerful when she takes charge and does what needs to be done. She noted bettering herself in a variety of ways and accomplishing things at work as times when she feels powerful. Her most recent example was embarking on a 12 week health challenge before a beach vacation. She said she lost 16 pounds during the challenge and overall she felt better as a result.

W11 says most things in her life are working right now. At 37 years old W11 is a bubbly, easy going person with a contagious laugh and inviting personality.  She has good friends and she enjoys her work as a film producer. The dating scene is the only place she feels things are not working for her right now. 

Feelings: Making Stuff Weird (W6)

She drinks whisky. That was all I needed to know; or so I thought. Women who drink whisky are
gritty. Even when her conversation or personal style is soft and sweet a whisky drinker has moxie.

Woman 6 (W6) has lived in Kansas City for four years. She loves Grinders, Crossroads KC for concerts and for live theatre she loves The Living Room Theatre.

What's working in her life right now? Acting and comedy. "I want to be a working actor. One that doesn't have to keep a survival job." She expressed feeling powerful when she is on stage with friends. She feels supported and knows that someone has her back.

In our discussion about acting she said, "I can do it because I was made to do it". She is aware that she may never find great wealth as an actor but would like to make a living. "I will never be broke. I'm rich in everything."

I asked why she decided to meet with me. We were strangers and at the time of the interview she had not read the blog. She explained, "I was asked to participate by a good friend. I'm in the arts and I wanted to be supportive and believe in your project. Give and take. I thought it sounded fun and not too serious."