Description
From online dating to offline dating, Mary Gulla has seen it all with her dates. As a single woman in her thirties, she felt the pressure of finding Mr. Right, and as she kept waiting, she kept wondering if he would ever come. Her book, He Seemed Normal…, details her good, bad, and unforgettable dates and what makes each one special. From accidental meetings, double dates, and set-ups, she’s explored different routes to meeting the man of her dreams. But will she ever find him?
Through the book, readers learn of her childhood escapades, her likes and dislikes, and her career as a pharmacist. Mary had anxiety as a child, which she eventually overcame. However, her early experiences in dating influenced her relationships as an adult. The novel centers on her finding her “manicorn,” which is her version of Mr. Right.
It was interesting to learn how online dating works from someone who has used it a lot. Although I have always had reservations about online dating, I’m seeing things in a new light. With the invention of online dating platforms, one would think finding the right person would be easier, but alas, dating has gotten more complicated. Although there are lots of options, picking the most suitable one is still daunting. With the way the world is headed, meeting people and starting relationships will take more work and online dating platforms still need improvement.
In Mary’s case, some of the men she met turned out to have different characters from their initial personas. It’s not enough to find someone you’re attracted to and like; your priorities and values need to be aligned, or the relationship will hit rock bottom. Mary’s experience made me realize the importance of getting to know the person very well before making any form of commitment to avoid regrets.
Mary has a great sense of humor, and I found myself smiling multiple times at her descriptions of some of the men she dated. There’s much to love about her personality, from her love for magazines to her music taste, her carefree nature, and her love for her “perfect” bracelet. I consider myself someone who is still new to the dating game, and I have high standards, but reading this book made me analyze some of the expectations I have. Mary’s story demonstrates hope, resilience, and determination. She learned from her experiences and has become a better version of herself, most importantly, she’s happy, and this is what truly matters.
