I'm 33, and given the history of my relationships, it's hard to believe I'm still single.

Let me explain:

My first relationship started when I was 14 years old. It lasted 9 years. I thought I wouuld marry my first boyfriend and have 3 children by the time I turned 25. When we broke up I had no idea how to do anything.

I Was Needy

So, I thought I HAD to have a boyfriend. I mean, what was life without one? I was so needy that I had a long string of unsuccessful relationships. I was always so-and-so's (ex)girlfriend.

My Own Identity

Around my 30th birthday I realized I needed my own identity to have a successful relationship. So, I decided not to date for a long time and work on myself. The more I developed my own personality and independece the more attractive I became. I have been dating a lot, but am not in a serious relationship right now and actually enjoy it. I look forward to meeting Mr. "Right," but am not willing to settle for Mr "Just-OK".

Given Up on the Fairy Tale

I have given up the romantic fairy tale idea of how falling in love should be. You know the one, where Prince Charming comes and sweeps me off my feet and I am the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. He saves and protects me from the big, bad, real world. And we live happily ever after.

The Magic Relationship Ingredients

Maybe it has to do with growing up, but I have become more practical and realistic about relationships. Ideally, relationships should have the magical ingredients of

• independence (of course)
• honesty,
• mutual respect,
• friendship,
• compatability,
• romance, and
• be fun.

I'm Not in a Committed Relationship

As far as a can tell, all the other female panel members are either married or in a serious relationship. I am not and am very content that way (at least for now) I can empathise with those who are looking for "THE" relationship.

– Babsy