First Posted: 7/29/2014

Being a single girl, it is sometimes easy to fall off your high heels and into a pity pool of self-doubt. Society supports a mentality in which we tend to put so much stock into the thoughts and opinions of others, that we let the world steal our inner glitter. These are the days that we need friends to remind us just how special and wonderful we are.

I recently went on a date with a guy that I had been crushing on for months. I spent the whole morning putting together the perfect outfit, hair and makeup combination. Upon meeting, we began to small talk and soon had each other laughing and flirting. It all seemed to be going great and I was feeling pretty confident by the end of the date. He walked me to my car and I was waiting for the successful date closure (kiss, hug, second date request, etc.) Instead, what I got was “see ya.”

I was baffled. I replayed the whole scenario over in my mind. I double and triple checked my appearance at home in the mirror. Everything looked good. My personality sparkled and he seemed to have enjoyed himself. I didn’t understand. What was wrong with me? I called my best friend, Wendy, and told her everything. She could tell I was upset and being the motherly type of friend, I expected she would console me and make me feel better. What she said to me instead was, “Melissa, my dear, you are sushi.”

She could sense my confusion and elaborated. Sushi is just sushi. Some people love it. Some people hate it. Some people aren’t even willing to try it. Yet, there are others who can’t get enough. It’s not the sushi’s fault. The sushi just exists and the world reacts around it. It comes in all different shapes and sizes. Sometimes, the sushi looks great on the shelf, but then you try it and it is not what you thought it was going to be. Other times, the flavor you thought you’d never be into, ends up being your favorite.

Just be the sushi, the rest will fall into place.

I sat back for a moment and pondered the revelation. I am sushi. I am delicious, unique and wonderful, but I am not for everyone. I still remain forever positive that someday, I will be for someone. So don’t get discouraged if you’re being yourself and your date isn’t into it; it’s not you. Maybe you’re a spicy tuna roll and they are only interested in salmon. Don’t try changing who you are to try and be a different flavor. There are plenty of fish in the sea, find one that makes the best tasting sushi.

Thanks, Wendy.