randomish relationship conversations

I had a conversation with a friend today about relationships. She's also a single mom and we have some things in common.
One of the things we spoke about was how our thought process is different than men and other women. obviously, I can't speak for all single moms, but it makes sense.
Each time we meet a man with intentions and date them, we make a decision fairly quickly. Either we love them or we don't. and that's it.
if I spend my precious time with someone, I'm committed. whether there is a label or not. whether the other person feels the same or not. I don't have time to waste or energy to give freely; my kids siphon those things easily.
so when we put this effort into something and it doesn't work out? it hurts.
and when it seems to go well? we work on it. and we fight for what we want. and we forge on with the idea that this isn't temporary.

especially when there are kids involved.

because that's what people do. and that's what single moms do when they date. we find potential life partners. we don't waste time. we don't have time to waste.

and sometimes we get hurt, but we try not to.