Dear Anonymous in Dallas

I don't have much to add to what Tamara said in her comments. I have never wanted or asked anyone to come on this trip with me. From the moment I planned on taking a trip, way back in January, I had intended it to be solo (perhaps you could ask someone who would know that to be true). It was meant to be time for me to see some natural beauty, have some adventures, meet new people, and see what else is out there.

I have not found the experience to be sad in the least. Every time I check into a campground, or ask for a table at a restaurant and say "Just me!" I am extremely proud. Every person that I have come across along the way has said "Wow, it's so awesome that you're doing this alone. Good for you!" (Usually followed with "be safe.")

Doing this alone has helped me in so many ways. I have lost so much of the fear I used to have; from general fear of the dark, to fear of meeting new people. I have become so open and outgoing now, I meet new people every day and feel so much better for having met each of them. If I was traveling with someone else I never would have the need or desire to try to meet new people.

Another thing that I have learned is that I don't need someone in my life to make me happy. I think I have proven to myself that I can be quite self-sufficient and content on my own. That said, I "want" someone in my life to make me happy. That person will not be a crutch or an easy way to happiness, just a supplement.

I am not sure why you are spending so much time "lurking" on my site. It was looking quite obsessive for a while actually. And I'm also not sure if you are so enthusiastic about your lurking that you feel the need to do it from all over the greater Dallas area (Frisco, Plano, Dallas) or if there is a whole gang of "lurkers" down there. I don't care who is on here, but I think you should take a hard look at your reasons for doing it. If it is for entertainment, and you're genuinely interested in my adventures, have at it. If it is to make yourself feel better in some way, then I think that may be a problem. If it is to sit back and take pity on me for being alone, I'd rather you keep it to yourself.

I genuinely wish you well.

Kate