What I love about this essay on The Hairpin, Dating Myself, is that it reminds me that dating isn’t just about the other person or about finding that you’re being flirted with or that you are attractive to someone. Sometimes it just feels really, really good. It feels free. And it never, ever has to end. Even if you get married. Even if you have kids. Even if you are divorced.

I put on sunglasses and take myself to see Hunger Games at the cheap theater. It makes me feel better to think that at least my children aren’t at risk of being taken by the state and forced to fight for their lives. There may be heartbreak, divorce, or mental health struggles a simple roll of the genetic dice away, a long and winding maze of finding their own hearts, their purpose in the world, but at least they won’t face a reaping. At least there’s that. I eat popcorn and Jr. Mints for dinner. I am incredibly grateful.

Read the whole essay. (Seriously.)

Dating shouldn’t end. Date your girlfriend. Date  your husband. Date your cat. Date yourself. Dating is a treat.

[The Hairpin]