Over the past several months that I have been dating (mostly meeting women online, then meeting up for a date in real life) I have been developing a different mindset. Hmmm... maybe that is not the best way to explain it.

But I have gotten the feeling that is is just not worth it -- the expense in money, time, energy.

So I decided to just start doing things on my own -- things I was hoping to do with a significant other. And this started with my trip to the Middle East.

I am also thinking of taking a hot air balloon ride, going on a cruise, taking more international trips, learning to cook, going up to the Lake Erie Islands, and so forth. These are all things I would much rather do with a partner. But I know it is just not in the cards for me. So I am going solo.

I'm going to let my last online dating profile expire and just drop out of dating. It is not much fun anymore. And I can make just about any situation fun!

This will certainly simplify my life.