September 10, 2008

  • From the Dorm Room to the Altar: Conclusion

    Well, it's time to put the series to rest, but I'm very pleased with the results. I'd like to thank all my guest writers:
    MlleRobillard, Sellhart53, WomanofLight, TheBigShowatUD, and TrunthePaige for doing a wonderful job. Please do visit their sites and learn from them as well. I'd also like to remind you that you are MORE than welcome to steal this idea! Do consider having guest posts, Xanga collaborations, and other link-ups with other Xangans on whatever topic you please. It's a great way to build community and introduce your friends to one another.

    To conclude, I'd like to ask YOU, the reader, to be my guest columnist. Post below your own recommendations as to how best manage that time of being single and solo, without birth family or romantic family. You can talk about finance, career, relationships, friends, or faith, whatever you know about.

    Also, I'll be hosting a short episode of Xanga TV tonight on here: come visit the site around 10:15 PM Eastern Time tonight, and we'll talk about what we've learned and whatever else comes to mind.

Comments (12)

  • Are you gonna eat supper on the show tonight? I was so hungry for greens after you ate them on the show I had my husband get some out of the garden so I could make them!

  • I just read your past 2 entries about budgeting and working on yourself from guest bloggers...

    1- I'm 22 and I manage my money pretty well - I have one credit card that I use for emergencies and everything else I pay in cash (I'm asian, sue me!)
    2- My last relationship ended because of being clingy to the point of suffocating each other. I don't know if either of us was the cause, but we (or I) learned that people need their space & to develop more hobbies other than each other.

  • My best advice for singles is to enjoy this time. I learned more about myself and what I was capable of in the 2 years I was single then in the other 23 years of living. I now know that if I end up being single again, I will never have to worry about taking care of myself. I can fix things, I can pay my bills, and I can be at home alone and be perfectly happy about it. I know that I take pride in my job and, although I try to balance life and work, I know how good it feels to own your work, now just punch the clock.

    When you know yourself you are much better at being a significant other. Get over your insecurities (because that is never attractive), get hobbies, etc. Enjoy flirting with the opposite gender also. No guilt there :)

  • While I myself am guilty of doing just the opposite, one suggestion for taking advantage of being single is exploring all of those things that will become more difficult with another person. Try scuba diving, or white-water rafting. See what sorts of things thrill you and make you come more alive. :o )

  • Great series! Thanks for getting such great Xangans together for this!

    My reccomendations for singles: figure out all your major beliefs and who you are. Know your likes and dislikes and be prepared to have those challenged when you're in a relationship.  And always challenge yourself- try new foods, new books, movies, music, meet different people and explore- you probably won't get a chance like this in a relationship! (Although, in a relationship, you will definitely learn about yourself and try new things!)

  • Take the time when your single to go out and mingle. Get to know yourself and exactly what you're looking for. Do everything that you can't do when in your relationship. Have fun etc. That's what I'm doing since I'm single...

  • ryc: lol thanks for the recommends, you are giving me hours of much needed sleep

  • @myfate22 - Exactly my thoughts. Once you get to know who you are, it makes for better relationships all around. Not just the s.o., but the friends as well. And you can't get to know yourself completely when there's someone else attached to your hip. Being single is pretty great, I think.

  • I've loved this series! A couple recommendations from me:

    1. I'm with carpuzzi_kiki. Use this time as an opportunity to do those things that you've always dreamed about doing, but may not be able to do when you're married, for whatever reason. Whenever I start to get sad thinking about my friends who got married right out of college and are on their second and third child already, I remind myself of the things I'VE done since college. If I had married and started having children right away, would I have had the time, funds and/or energy to go on safari in South Africa? Or travel down the Mozambique coast? Or go on a mission trip to Honduras? Or further my education through night classes? Or pursue that hobby I've always been interested in?

    2. Even though retirement seems like something a single person doesn't need to concern themself with (not to mention so far away), start saving for it as soon as your company will allow you to do so... ESPECIALLY if your company will match whatever you contribute. Two words: compound interest. The younger you start, the better. I've been saving for retirement since I was 22!

  • your last sentence reminded me of the Veggie Tales song.

  • Learning a new language, taking good care of pets, going out with single friends and playing video games all help.

    Will there be a From dorm to Labour room?

  • YAY! It's a little late for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this series! I am an avid believer in relaxing and enjoying your life. Getting married shouldn't ever be stressful and I see that a lot. I was so concerned with being with someone, that I rushed away a lot of good experiences. I love being married and I love my husband more than I ever imagined. But I wasn't able to come to know myself when I was worried about not being single. This series was filled with awesome advice, so I hope you single people paid attention!

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