One Year Anniversary

It's hard to believe that exactly one year ago today, Sandra Dee Dates was born.

It began with my exciting adventures in online dating. It ventured into the world of coupledom with Sixty. It detoured into the what-might-have-been with an old flame.

Now it's taken a turn into the world of possibilities with The Reporter.

And what exciting possibilities they might be.

The always awkward "define the relationship" talk was broached this week, and I felt eerily comfortable bringing it up with him.

"I don't want to date anyone else," I said to him while we were on the couch. I couldn't believe the words were so effortlessly coming out of my mouth. And he happily agreed that he was done looking as well.

Maybe it's because this relationship is one of such ease, but who would have thought that such a terrifying, vulnerable conversation could be so simple?

There is even talk of my meeting his parents next weekend. And unlike how it's been with other men that I've seriously dated, I'm completely unafraid of this big step.

Strange as it sounds, I'm actually looking forward to it.

Maybe it's because I'm ready to begin a new chapter with The Reporter. I'm ready to experience a full-fledged, adult-ish relationship with him. I'm excited to be with someone who is so crazy about me and likes me for who I am. I'm ready to strive at making it work with one another.

And for the first time in my life, I'm completely and totally myself with him. That speaks volumes in my books.

So on this one-year anniversary, I'm not looking back on all of the hilarious and horrible dates of the past year.

I'm looking forward to the future with a wonderful man on my arm.

Here's to you, readers. Thanks for a great year!