On the Road with Cara From St. Paul to NYC

Q: Where are you from?

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Q: Biggest accomplishment you achieved on your own?

Getting a job I love right after college graduation, and relocating across the country for that job.

Q: Name three things a man can do on a date that would make you lose interest?

Text people, chew with his mouth open, profess his love for cats.

Q: When it comes to dating, do you think text and instant messaging is good or bad?

I think it depends.  One of my closest guy friends (who I previously dated) and I never texted, mainly because he didn't want to pay for them on his plan (I had unlimited).  We talked on the phone more - though I wouldn't say this helped or hindered our relationship in any way.  We still talk on the phone quite often.  Another ex-boyfriend and I ONLY texted.  It wasn't a bad thing - we were both in very busy jobs and had a lot of responsibilities outside of work/school, so it was a way to keep in touch without being overbearing.  Instant messaging...I haven't made up my mind about that.  I hardly use it anymore.

Q: What do you love most about being single?

Not having to answer to anyone but myself.  Being able to decide what I want to do in my free time without worrying about having to please someone else. 

Q: Best spot to dine out alone in your area, which is now NYC?

Anywhere in the Village.  I personally love Risotteria in the West Village and Paprika in the East.  And Starbucks.  I'm there all the time.

Q: What advice would you give to singles that have put their lives on hold until “they meet the one?”

Give it up and LIVE a little!  Life is TOO SHORT!

Q: Any self-confidence boosters for people who suffer dating jitters?

Remind yourself that a) you're awesome; b) chances are, they have jitters too, which means you're both normal; and c) you're still awesome.  Just relax and have a good time!

Q: Breaking up with friends is one of the hardest things to do. What’s the best way to handle it?

Be honest with the person.  Don't promise to try and stay friends just because "that's what you should do." Finding out later on that one of you isn't willing to make the effort just makes the situation more awkward. 

Q: How does one bounce back when all of one's friends suddenly get married?

Try not to get discouraged.  This sounds totally cliche, but your time will come.  At the wedding(s), introduce yourself to the other side's family and friends, and reunite with your own friends.  

And most importantly, let your friends know you're willing to be set up (if you are, that is).  They'll be more inclined to consider new possibilities for you if they know you aren't going to reject every single one right off the bat.