First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Who Gets You?

When my Dad was alive, I’d look forward to Sunday mornings, and our weekly phone chat. It was so easy to make him happy, and I had a real experience of unconditional love. He got me. I’ve fleetingly had this feeling in romance, and felt like a man (or 2)  has had it about me. But it’s hard to sustain. Maybe it’s because we’re always in flux. People get us one moment, but not the next. That’s part of the mystery. But the longing remains.

Image: See Through by Tes One

Is It Easier to Be Single in the City?

Image: Lonely Metropolis, 1932 by Herbert Bayer

What’s Your Splurge?

MINE:
Daily home delivery of the New York Times
Martin Margiela shoes
Villa Manodori balsamic vinegar
Dolce & Gabbana lipstick
Really good pen (brands vary)

YOURS?

Image: Alejandro Diaz

How To Prove That You’re Lovable

When it comes to getting projects financed, the first money in is always the hardest. Someone has to take a risk that the project is feasible. But once they’re in, others follow, as you’ve proven your fundability. I’ve wondered if that’s what people (mistakenly) assume about spouses, that at least one person finds you lovable. What’s your take?

Image by Rasha Kahil

In Defense of Ugly Chic

In L.A, where the uniform is predictably Hollywood, favoring long, straight hair and girly clothes (or a look like you’ve just come back from the gym), it takes courage to wear lace-up shoes, anything baggy or have your locks cropped short. I’ve adapted a bit to my habitat, having introduced a few tight tees. But I stay strong. Oxfords are still among the most favorite of my collection (and what I wore when photographed for the Washington Post). This Prada skirt is from an upcoming show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dedicated to the bold and sometimes, ugly chic of designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.

OK Cupid. Game On.

And then, I came across these (actual) screen names. Give me strength.

rureadylicious
rureadyformenow
danthemancan (shirtless in photo)
you4meandme4you
mistahmonkey
bimbo11 (shirtless in photo)
psychicmedium

and my favorite –

whatsthepoint

Illustration by Gemma Correll

(Not) Getting Married Today

From Company by Stephen Sondheim, one of my heroes, who is 82 today. Lyrics follow:

Continue reading »

Things Not to Worry About

Above is an excerpt from a letter F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote to his daughter at camp in 1933. It’s a good bookend to my recent post about fears. I’m adding to his list. What would you include?

Don’t worry about having enough friends on Facebook
Don’t worry about how much chocolate is too much
Don’t worry about wrinkles
Don’t worry about the relationship between a short haircut and getting a date
Don’t worry about being single

Spring!

Image by Eric Y. Yahnker

The Most Powerful Stereotypes About Being Single

Image: Xenia Molchanova