I was with a friend of mine the other night. Single woman, mid-thirties.

For several years she didn’t date. She had her reasons. It’s been about 3 years since she’s entered the dating pool and she’s embraced the process. As a matter of fact, soon after learning that I was newly single she was encouraging me to dive in, too. Not to meet “him” necessarily, but to have fun.

We talked about My Frog Princes, dating sites, and then more specifically, about our individual experiences. She showed me her list, started January 2013.

64 guys! That’s actual dates! Remember the men my age who are looking for younger women? This younger woman says “no thank you” (or “ick”) when she hears from them.

The list includes where they went or what they did on first dates. It got interesting when she shared the encoded details. Here’s how they break down: 43 first dates (kissed 9); 4 second dates; 7 third or fourth; 4 relationships that lasted a month or more; 11 more than kissed, less than sex; had sex with 7. Always on her own terms. That’s why she’s been enjoying the process and stays in the game.

Now there’s someone special in her life, the list filed away. Dare we believe in a happy ending (of the fairy tale type, perverts)?