Day 0

I think I'm ready to try dating again after a long, self-imposed hiatus. I think I know what I'm looking for, and I think I'm ready to invest the time and effort necessary to find people to date. I think I'm ready to handle the worrying about self-esteem, worrying about being true to what I want, worrying about rejecting unsuitable suitors kindly but firmly. It's summer, and I have some time, and I feel like I'm ready to take a chance again (thanks, Barry Manilow!).

Based on prior experiences, both in person and online, I have some guidelines for myself about acceptable dating procedures, so that I don't get all emotionally and intellectually wrapped up in this. Here they are:
1. Only spend one hour max, one time a day, checking email and browsing profiles.
2. Reply to all messages. When rejecting, be polite but firm. (My best friend said to come up with a "standard rejection" ahead of time so that I can just pull it out and use it when necessary and avoid all the angst.)
3. Know what I want and don't deviate. That's the hard part. It's hard to get beyond the generic. I know I want to date someone smart, funny, good looking, athletic. But who doesn't consider themselves to be all of the following? I know I do. Does this mean I really *am* these things, or do I have an overinflated sense of self?

Anyway, it's all systems go. I'm officially signed up on JDate, my profile is active and visible, my essays are well-written and witty, and I'm ready to meet a nice Jewish boy. I will give this endeavor one month of effort, and chronicle my adventures here for all to see.