Online Dating from A to Z: Examining the X Factor

Welcome to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. This month I’ll be working my way through the alphabet, one day at a time, on the subject of Online Dating. If you’ve never visited my blog before, I’m happy you’re here! Be sure to check out my previous A to Z Challenge posts and the books that were inspired by them for more alphabetical fun.

X is for X Factor.

X is the letter of uncertainty. X marks the spot, but X is also the variable in any equation. X is about that je ne sais quoi that all good relationships have in common, but that are almost impossible to describe.

The X Factor is what ultimately makes you decide you’re in love with someone, rather than simply passing the time.

As a wise man once said (okay, it was Pastor Cal on Married At First Sight): you don’t fall in love, you decide to love. Love is an action, a verb. It’s a choice you make, not a feeling. You don’t have to wait for it to wash over you, nor for a slip and fall into it; you get to make the decision, take the chance, ride the ride!

What makes someone decide they’re in love? It could be because they are simply tired of dating, are ready to settle down, enjoy your company, or have embraced you from head to toe – flaws ‘n’ all.

Love can be a confusing sentiment, for many. That’s why I devoted an entire month to examining love in all its many forms, back in February of this year.

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There’s passion,
And compassion,
And there are 8 different types of love, for the ancient Greeks, and 5 different Love Languages for us modern folk…
Long-term couples can explore familiar love, as well as romance,
And there’s even patriotism – love of country!

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All of these things contribute to the X Factor of Love.

On the other hand, there’s also an Ex Factor: the thing that makes you decide you’re definitely DONE with someone, and ready to move on!

The Ex Factor is much more easily defined. If you’re living in a perpetual Seinfeld episode, you might decide you just can’t deal with a partner’s close-talking, or their tendency to order the same thing at the restaurant every time, or because you think you caught them picking their nose while driving.