And on that note...

I have gotten spoiled. Up until now, when talking about this 100 date thing the comments have been fairly positive- yes, everyone thinks I'm nuts but positive none the less. I've come to expect it I guess. I enjoy the fact that the people who read the blog (and I realize there are not legions of you) are doing so because they are friends and/or find me mildly entertaining.

Great boost to the ego by the way- thank you.

I got this comment today...

Seriously,

You can't be serious. Not trying to be mean and its your right to do what ever you want. But i must say any man with a little class would not stand in line with a 100 guy's for one women. Women talk about men being all about themselves. You can't possibly find the right man dating 100 men. Most of all letting them know there will be 99 more. Who the hell wants that. Sweetie it takes time to get to know someone. It may take a year or more. Sorry to rain on your parade but someone should council you in how to find a man.

Peace Out.

I am left with a sour taste in my mouth (and not just for the condescending "Sweetie" comment). Despite the fact that there was clearly some miscommunication regarding my intentions, this person seems genuinely upset about what I'm doing. My gut reaction to reading the it was horror- am I as selfish as this person thinks? Have I deluded myself into thinking this was somehow liberating when in fact it is simply a low-class exercise in self absorption?

What I wanted to say- what I'm kicking myself for not saying is-

If you think I'm going about this wrong, ok- fantastic, I welcome the criticism but please, tell me what to do differently! At least make a suggestion because lord knows what I've done before didn't work and clearly you have a perspective that's different from my own.

However, if you are so convinced that I'm a selfish person and you are in fact "not trying to be mean" as you say, why are you even bothering to comment?

I didn't reply with that though (Thank you boarding school manners). Grace seemed the most prudent strategy-

I replied...

100 dates- this is not the same as 100 men. Although I understand your point of view, perhaps you should check out the blog before you judge. Best, M

Camp Ground Rules

In 3rd grade I was a Girl Scout (Ok, I made it as far as the Brownies but that's almost a Girl Scout). We earned badges and sang songs, sold cookies and roasted marshmallows over campfires- I was always a big fan of the cookies and marshmallow part- Regardless, we did Girl Scout stuff.

There were rules to being a Scout. You have to be nice to people, and help out your fellow girl and work hard in school (Mrs. Hawn also said we had to keep our rooms clean but I think she was taking creative licence with the rule book on that one).

In the summer we went to Scout Camp where we ran around like banshees and earned more badges and sang more songs and roasted more marshmallows. We set up tents and when making a camp fire by rubbing two sticks together didn't work, we always had Mrs. Hawn and her trusty Coleman Stove to save us.

And when we left Camp there was one rule we had to remember.

Camp Ground Rules- Leave it in better shape than you found it.

There is a point in a relationship when you can still get out with everyone keeping their fingers and toes. Usually it's when you can see down the road it isn't going to work but it's still working at the moment- before anyone leaves angry scarred and hurt. Before you say things you shouldn't or go too far. But if you time it right, after the sting of leaving has gone you might be able to be friends.

I've yet to manage this.

I have 93 Dates under my belt, 7 away from the illusive 100. Most of them have been with the same person and I could probably squeeze out the last 7 with him too but...

Maybe this time I can remember the Camp Ground Rules.