Dear Angela,
Since my last live-in relationship ended I�ve been dating casually for the past three years. At first, I found the whole dating thing fun and exciting, and I enjoyed having my own space. Now, honestly, I�m getting kinda tired of first dates (and second and third), trying to impress someone and telling the same stories and never getting to that place of comfort and wonderful boringness. I miss happily coexisting with another person. I think I�m getting ready to settle down. Or, at least, to have the comfort of something settled.

Except that I�m in this ridiculous crunchtime at work�I work almost every single day, often as much as twelve hours a day. This busy time has an end in sight, but that end is six months from now. I could stop dating and just wait until I actually have time, except that I�m already beyond lonely and frustrated with this situation.

Sure, I have friends, but it�s not the same. I don�t have sex with my friends, nor do I snuggle with them on the couch. And after a long, hard day at work, there�s nothing more I want than some quality couch time. What do I do if I don�t have time to find a couchmate, but it already feels past time? Is it possible to jump right into that comfort stage, without all the hullabaloo?

�Workaholic in Wisconsin


Dearest WiW,

That�s a mighty pickle you�re in, cucumber! What to do if you don�t have time for the thing you long for most? First, I�d say go easy on yourself, and be extra nice when you�re feeling those lonely singleton feelings. Being friendly with yourself makes anything more bearable.

So, the question is: do you just wait until you have time on your hands, or do you try to squeeze in looking for love even though you�re sick of dating? As I�m wont to do, I�m gonna recommend a happy medium. Take an hour to update your FriendFinder profile, telling prospectives where you�re at and what you�re looking for. Don�t be afraid to be honest:

I�m crazy busy at work right now, and what I�m longing for is someone to cuddle up with on the couch, watch TV, and eat takeout. I�ll have more time for wining and dining and adventuring with you in five months, but for now, I�d just love to hang out and chill together. If you�re a cuddle bunny and this sounds good to you, too, let�s meet for coffee. And if that works for both of us, I�ll invite you over to my place for Netflix and cartons of Chinese food.

Often, people think they have to be coy or impressive when they�re dating, but you�re gonna have a way better chance of getting something you want if you ask for it clearly. There are plenty of hotties out there in the same boat as you�workwise, lovewise, energywise�and if the stars align, you just might find one who wants to coast on down the stream of life with you for a while, or even longer. And if you don�t find the right fit, at least you know you tried, and staying true to what you�re truly desiring is good practice, whenever you can get it.

Couch-lovin� Kisses,
Angela

P.S. Would you rather have the thrill of dating or the comfort of a relationship? The Naked Truth wants to hear what you�re here to find.