I’m walking home from work on my way to declare my “Letting Go Challenge” on Facebook Live for the first time when my friend Rachel texts me a screengrab from Facebook that terrifies me.
“For the Today Show: Anyone single and over 40 want to talk about using dating apps? This is for Friday morning.”
“I don’t know if you use dating apps or would be interested but sharing as an FYI…”
I’m instantly crippled with fear and fire back, “Oy. I haven’t in a while and I’m not sure I could subject myself to this.”
“Completely understand!”
Then, I stopped and thought, “Wait a second. This scares the shit out of me. Maybe I should do it. I mean, I don’t have to commit to anything right now. I’ll just get more information.”
And then I did something I’ve never done before.
I asked myself what I was so afraid of and in a matter of seconds, I was able to unpack it.
I’m afraid to admit that I’m over 40.
I’m ashamed I have to use a dating app (even though I’m not on one).
I would be mortified to admit this on national television.
Once I figured out the source of my fear, I did a second thing I’ve never done before that I learned earlier that day from Mel Robbins. I counted down from 5 to 1 and made a decision. Yes, I, Robin Gelfenbien, made a decision in 5 seconds. I, Robin Gelfenbien, who overthinks just about EVERYTHING put a stake in the ground.
And not only did I make a decision, I made one that absolutely freaked me out. I told Rachel to give The Today Show producer my contact information.
The next morning I’m on the phone with a producer from The Today Show who asks me about my experience on dating apps.
“How do you think dating apps have changed over time?”
“More dick pics,” I say. She laughs and I assure her that I’ve been on TV before and I can censor myself.
We talk about the pros and cons of dating apps. I tell her how I like to get to know a guy for who rather than Google him.
When we hang up, I want to do the interview mostly because it scares me, but I’m also prepared to not get it. Whatever the outcome, I consider it a huge win because I got out of my comfort zone and took a huge risk.
In the meantime, I pass along some suggestions for other guys who might fit the bill to the producer and I wait to learn of my fate.
And I wait.
And I wait.
A few days later, I learn that I didn’t make the cut. I’m okay with it because I’m so glad I took a chance. One I never would have taken had I not started this See Ya, Bucko Challenge.
I also learn that my friend, Jason (far left), did make it on The Today Show and if that’s the kind of Jewish matchmaker I’m going to be “today,” I’m totally fine with that.
