Ceveland Ohio Gal, Melissa, does not Need a Ring to Feel Complete

Q: Where are you from?
I am born-and-raised in Cleveland, Ohio.

Q: Biggest accomplishment you achieved on your own?
Being self-sufficient was/is the most important part of my life. I'm not one to ask for help (stubborn Taurus!), as I get a certain satisfaction figuring out all life's adventures -- emotionally, financially and spiritually -- on my own. Plus, I think it's important that a person has certain life experiences on his/her own before being able to fully enjoy and experience the life of another.

Q: Name three things a man can do on a date that would make you lose interest?
1. Eat off my plate, without asking

2. Any sort of rudeness or judgment

3. Pulling out his cell phone to respond to emails, texts, etc. during conversation.

Q: When it comes to dating, do you think text and instant messaging is good or bad?
I don't mind text messaging, until it becomes the only means of communication.  I think texting is a good supplement to seeing someone in person and talking by phone -- especially if the message is something short-and-sweet to let another person know you are thinking of him/her.

Q: What do you love most about being single?
The freedom to do/say/think anything I so choose. Coincidentally, relationships in which I can incorporate these thoughts and activities work best for me. Being your own person and freedom are very important characteristics of a successful relationship.

Q: Best spot to dine out alone in your area?
In Cleveland, we have an area called "East 4th Entertainment District." There are plenty of really good restaurants with patios perfect for people watching in the warmer months! My favorite is newly-opened Greenhouse Tavern.

Q: What advice would you give to singles that have put their lives on hold until “they meet the one?”
The people who behave as such are completely non-interesting to me. What a waste of your own life! Another person should not make/break your life, but enhance it.

Q: Any self-confidence boosters for people who suffer dating jitters?
Ha. I have them myself, so I wish I had the answer! I think there will always be a certain nervousness at the beginning of any great dating scenario, but through experience, that feeling should dissipate. If it's three months later, and you still have "dating jitters," take a long look at your insecurities in that relationship. It will typically not pass...

Q: Breaking up with friends is one of the hardest things to do. What’s the best way to handle it?
Time heals all wounds. It may take weeks or years, but eventually when feelings pass, an HONEST friendship can happen.

Q: How does one bounce back when all of their friends suddenly get married?
I am beyond the "all my friends are suddenly married" page of life -- I'm currently in my "everybody is pregnant" phase! Marriage and children are not "goals" of mine, nor do I feel incomplete without a ring on my finger. I am more interested in a "partner in crime" to celebrate and share in all aspects of my life rather than a religious piece of paper. That being said, marriage will happen when the timing is right. And nobody should set a deadline on that.