Some time ago, I decided to abstain... I wanted to truly be free. To not be bound by feelings or responsibilities to someone else. I desired clarity of thought, and understanding of life, and, at the time, I couldn't find any of those things while attached to someone else. I decided that until I was ready to actually love a man and commit to him in friendship and love, I would abstain... From love. Quite honestly, I've always had available men around who would make great mates. But their availability had no impact on my movement in love's direction. I was not ready, and just having a man, even a good one, wasn't worth it. I was not available. Nor did I want to do the work necessary to maintain a healthy relationship. No, I wasn't on some exploration of "self-love," I've always loved myself...some might say a little too much. Ha! Yes, I dated during this time. But sometimes I didn't. I was okay in both circu