A Note from Single Edition Founder, Sherri Langburt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I (should) (would) (could) have been a blogger. But I didn't. So instead of keeping my new ideas on sticky-notes as they pop into my mind, I have decided it is time to start publishing personal posts to Single Edition. I truly hope the tips, observations and musings you find will encourage you to reflect, explore and smile on a regular basis.

I want to begin this first entry by thanking each one of you for visiting Single Edition. Your kind notes, insightful stories and helpful tips continue to inspire us behind the scenes. Though we are recently launched, our team is working on exciting frontiers seeking out partners, programs and features, including many that you have suggested or are asking about. We appreciate your patience and encourage you all to keep visiting Single Edition as we begin to deliver new content, tools and resources. As we grow, so too will our site and everything we can offer to you.

If you haven't signed up for our newsletter, please do  - it's a weekly single supplement that we deliver to your inbox with no strings attached. We promise! And, if you want to share your story with other members of the community or have a burning question, take a few minutes to fill out our Solo Spotlight questionnaire or submit a question to one of our experts. Your faces and revelations paint a better picture of what single living means today.

I am married. But after nearly two decades of living single, I know that things would have been a whole lot easier for me if I had a place, a community like the one we are building, of my own. So I have taken the liberty of sharing some of my story, it's something I have wanted to do since we first launched.

 

Sincerely,

Sherri Langburt

Q: Biggest Accomplishment You Achieved on Your Own

Rebuilding my life after I was robbed of all my belongings, while at the same time landing my dream job at Weight Watchers where I met every goal I set out to achieve.

Q: Safety starts with?

A good tool kit, Purell and an AAA card.

Q: Favorite Just for One Product?

Other than a good pack of butterscotch Werthers? My laptop – it's my connection to the world and a gateway for my mind.

Q: Worst Date Ever?

It had to be my second date with a man by the name of Joe. He was on his way to pick me up when I managed to lock myself into my own bedroom. Needless to say, we spent a good part of the evening divided by a wall, while my Superintendent and a locksmith worked on setting me free. In hindsight, it foreshadowed the relationship barrier than would eventually lead to our break-up.

Q: Best Solo Activity?

If I could stand on my head and spit nickels that would be it. Since I can't, it would have to be cooking, not for one but for many. The process for me is a creative and cathartic expression from beginning to end - experimenting with foreign flavors and techniques is truly an art form. Ultimately, it is the confluence of food and friends that just warms my heart each time. If I could invite people over for dinner every night, I would.

Q: Best Solo Escape?

At the end of a dock or in front of a fire, depending on the season, on Lake Depuis in Esterel, Quebec. I grew up not far from this charming town which is located in Canada's Laurentian mountains. The smell of pine trees in the fall and fire burning in the winter always makes me feel whole, alive and at home. If you are looking for a lost weekend alone or a group getaway, this is a great place to go! Just click here to find out more.

Q: Most Inspiring Book, Person or Movie?

As a child of first generation Holocaust survivors, it is they who gave me life who are and continue to be my inspiration. Books which taught me to persevere and keep dreaming include, the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Little Prince by Saint Exupery and the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.

Q: Best Local Restaurant to go to Solo?

There is nothing like the Bar at the restaurant Ouest on a rainy night in New York. It is always filled with solo diners and I have yet to leave the place without meeting a new friend. The bartender Dan is so friendly and the food a real treat. Plus, their chef/onwer Tom Valenti authored a cookbook called "One-Pot Meals" which is fabulous.

Q: Best Way to Meet New People?

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved talking to people, from the milk man to my late Uncle Fievel, I marveled just listening to their stories. But there was a difficult period in my life when I chose to isolate. I credit my mother for her wise words, "No one is going to find you if you're sitting at home in your apartment."

From that day forward I decided to take every chance to put myself out there, by saying 'yes' instead of' 'no' to social invitations and embracing new adventures on my own, even if I was feeling tired, anxious, ugly or fat. Over the years I have learned that people are drawn to those who have the courage to go out alone. There is something intriguing about the independent spirit that makes people curious or compassionate, and ultimately leads to new conversations and connections.

Q: Words of Inspiration?

You can do anything, if you put your mind to it ~ my dad (I don't think he can claim authorship, but it came from his heart!)

Q: Other Advice?

These are my 12 tips for Single Living, which some of you may have already read:

1. Don't go to the Liquor Store for Milk: You will not get milk where it is not sold. So to avoid disappointment, don't expect responses from people that they may not be emotionally, psychologically or mentally equipped to give you.

2. If there is Clutter, Clean it out: For a positive attitude you need to eliminate the negative habits, people and influences from your life.

3. Pretty People Can Be Lonely Too: Don't make assumptions about who people are, what they want or how they live their lives.

4. Remember that Love does not Discriminate: So be gentle with yourself and less critical of your beauty, brains and body.

5. Love Knocks, but Not When you're Sitting At Home: New opportunities and people cannot find you if you are tucked away indoors on your couch.

6. Handbags Do Not Just Come in Designer Labels: From backpacks to Birkins, we all carry around lots of “stuff.” Since you can never tell what's inside each person's tote from day-to-day, try to take things less personally.

7. If it's too Tough, Chances are it's not Healthy: Relationships should complete, not deplete you.

8. Taking is one of Life's Greatest Achievements: There is no shame in accepting help or admitting you need it.

9. Fight fears by facing them: There is something simply delicious about finding out what frightens you the most, and then conquering it on your own.

10. No may mean yes in sales but not when it comes to your love life: If it is too hard, it is not right.

11. Status is a symbol, happiness a state of being: There are plenty of miserable married people.

11. Letting go can be liberating: Always trust your gut --- it will let you know if and when you are holding on to false hope.

12. It Only Takes One: A home cooked meal to nurture the soul, a new friend to change your life, a long bike ride to improve your mood