Chapter 1: A Bold New Look

As I step through the garage and into the family room, I find my youngest son lounging on the couch, engrossed in a show. I approach him to say hello before heading to the kitchen.

“Hold on,” he exclaims, a hint of astonishment in his voice. “Is that a blue streak in your hair?”

I can sense his surprise.

“Maybe,” I reply playfully.

“You can’t be serious!” he protests, clearly incredulous. “The same mom who won’t let me get a tattoo just dyed her hair blue?”

“Exactly,” I say, “But if you want to dye your hair, feel free to go for it.”

At 17, my cheeky response doesn’t amuse him.

“It’s not a permanent change,” I add, trying to clarify the distinction.

A few days later, I meet up with a friend for lunch. It’s the first time she notices my new blue streak.

“Oh my goodness,” she laughs. “You’ll meet someone who’ll think you’re adventurous, but that’s so not you!”

We both burst into laughter.

What she means to say is that while I had my fair share of dates in high school and college, I ultimately ended up in two serious relationships—one during high school and another starting my sophomore year in college.

Some friends are taken aback, while others adore it. A few even make references to Katy Perry. My sisters are fully supportive.

Having been in a protracted divorce with no apparent end in sight, can anyone blame me? Much of my life feels out of my hands. Recently, I secured a short-term contract job in content writing and digital strategy.

This is my first salon visit in ages.

This small change feels like a step toward freedom.

“I can’t escape him, but I can choose who I want to be.”

It's a minor act of defiance from someone who used to be much bolder. I sported that streak for a couple of years before reverting to my plain brown locks.

But now, as I dip my toes back into the dating scene, I consider bringing back the blue streak.

This is the second time during my divorce that I’ve felt a sense of liberation. I’ve reached a point where I can let go of many worries. It’s a refreshing change.

The blue streak wasn’t intended to shock anyone; it was purely for my own enjoyment.

There’s an actress named Lauren Koslow who has a similar subtle blue streak in her hair. I’ve always admired how you had to get close to see the hint of blue beneath her brunette locks. It’s understated yet alluring.

I’ve often joked that I talk too much to be considered sexy. My loud voice certainly does not help in that department.

But now that I’m dating again, I’m contemplating reviving the blue streak. It could add a spark to my otherwise dull brown hair. At the very least, perhaps he’ll view me as a bit wild.

The first video, "How to Dye a Streak of Hair!" provides a step-by-step guide on achieving this fun look. It’s perfect for anyone considering a new hair color to spice up their style.

Chapter 2: Navigating New Relationships

In the second video, "Blue Streak (1999) - Interrogating Tulley Scene (4/10) | Movieclips," we see an example of unexpected twists in relationships, similar to the surprises I’ve encountered since returning to dating.

I never anticipated my husband would cheat on me, yet as I re-enter the dating scene, I ponder how to recognize a potential cheater.

It's an unexpected realization that I am emotionally unavailable, a surprising discovery for someone who writes about relationships.

If you had just five weeks to spend with someone, would you make the most of it? I found a man who made that time worthwhile.

Is it surprising that I’m seeing someone who’s a decade younger? Men do it all the time; why should I doubt myself?

Now, the man I’ve been seeing is relocating. Should I genuinely be upset after only five weeks of dating?

Post-divorce, I keep having the same recurring nightmare. It’s troubling, and it seems to worsen with each occurrence.

Ultimately, my biggest letdown with my ex wasn’t his role as a husband but as a father.