They say everyone gets theirs.
Fifteen minutes.
And near as I can tell, this is mine.
Today, WordPress has featured Must Be This Tall To Ride on Just Another WordPress Weblog.
I’m something well-beyond flattered.
But there’s also some anxiety.
What if thousands of people read about me? What if they think I’m a dipshit? What if I get a bunch of new followers? What if I don’t get any?
Maybe I have pantophobia.
Anyway, if you’re interested, I hope you’ll come be a part of it. I suspect I’ll be playing over there for a few days, digesting whatever feedback might come. That’s assuming I’m not curled up in the fetal position or self-medicating with tequila shots.
You’ll notice by the headline that Krista at WordPress clearly hasn’t been online dating.
You can read the profile here:
Single, Divorced, but Plenty Tall Enough to Ride:
A Blogger Profile
You might not realize it, but you’ve given me something to love when I needed it very much.
You’ll never know the depths of my gratitude.
Thank you.
Congrats!!
Thank you so much, Bryan. Hope you’re well, sir.
Enjoy it!!! And make that CELEBRATORY shots of tequila!
Not tonight, but maybe this weekend. Gotta love agave.
Thank you!
So proud of you. 🙂
Thanks, lady. I appreciate it so much, too.
I am so proud of you and this blog and I’m thrilled thinking about everything you and this blog have coming. xo
Thank you for your steady kindness and support. It’s really nice of you.
Congratulations — I’ll be proud to say I was following you before it became the trendy thing to do! 🙂 I love your blog; it’s a great balance of introspection and humor.
Gracias.
I try to keep things balanced. I can seem a little multi-personalitied as a result.
But sometimes, you gotta write serious.
And sometimes, you have to act like a third grader.
I dabble in both places. 🙂
I get why you’re FP’d. Your words are honest and open and you show your vulnerability to us. On another note.. if i were to think of the tagline to my personal insecurities, it would be YOU MUST BE THIS THIN TO BE SEEN. ironically, it’s easier to see me cause i do have more meat on my bones. MY WORDS, my opinion and my insecurities
Body image is a tough thing.
I had the conversation today. I’m not particularly heavy, but I do expect a better level of physical fitness, which I lost while being lazy and feeling sorry for myself.
I can appreciate how skewed our self perceptions can be sometimes. I’m sorry you have to deal with it.
I KNOW, for sure, that loving and accepting ourselves, is an absolute prerequisite to feeling legit happiness.
We all need to be lifting one another up to help out with that.
Thank you so much for saying hi.
The change has already come in my life. Im so buy with a new lifestyle and physical activity, but not to be thin and to be seen but to be healthier and live longer. that is my priority at the moment
Understand that being a dipshit is a badge of honor…..it may be your golden ticket…congrats
Because you said it, I believe it.
Thank you for stopping in here, sir. Really appreciate it.
Fabulous!! And well deserved, I might add. Your line to “Make sure your soul lives in the words” about writing is such a great piece of advice. I will say I am sorry you only focused on the “negatives” in the last paragraph about who you are, and if that is truly how you see yourself, I am sorry too. If you had wanted to stay humble you could always have used the words I try to be…..because that is how I perceive you from your writing- so now I will say it for you- you try to be a good father, you try to be a good ex husband & do the right thing, you try to connect with people through writing about your experiences, you try to have a sense of humor. You try to always remain hopeful that you can learn from your past & be successful at doing better. OK so, I said it all for you. And I believe it is not that you are trying- it is that you are that person already.
Thank you for always having such nice, encouraging words for me. 🙂
I do focus on the negatives a little too much.
I once wrote a post called “The Underdog” where I tell everyone how awesome I am. You probably haven’t seen that one. 🙂
http://mustbethistalltoride.com/2013/09/17/the-underdog/
Wow, I just read this blog, and yes. You are obviously a complete dipshit… ha! Just kidding. GREAT blog. Made me laugh a lot. And now that you are a famous blogger, I bet the ladies will come running! (Especially if you retell them the shitting four times at church story… I am kind of not kidding, that is really hilarious and shows that you don’t have too much shame/insecurity). I am excited to read more! Thanks for writing and congrats!
I’m a mega-dipshit. But a semi-likable mega-dipshit.
Thank you for reading and saying hi. I do hope you’ll read more. Appreciate it very much.
Fabulous story and signs that good energy is heading your way. Congratulations!
Thank you very much. 🙂
Congratulations. I’m sure, that you deserve it. Just enjoy!
Irene
Thank you, Irene! I’m trying.
Followed you after reading the wordpress article, really inspiring, keep up the good work bud 🙂
Never quite sure when people associate the word “inspiring” with my writing. But I’ll take it. Because it’s exactly what I’d want to be if I could be anything as a writer.
Thank you for saying hi and the wonderful compliment.
Congratulations, Matt. Keep on writing and don’t worry about what we all think. Write what’s in your heart. It’s already gotten you some fame and new friends, and is sure to bring continued happiness.
I appreciate that encouragement.
I probably worry about what others think more than I should. I’m sure that’s true.
Thank you for stopping in here and leaving a note.
You did good! I have read several of your posts, and I love your honesty. There is nothing more scarier than putting your written soul out there to be dissected, and you have every reason to be nervous – as in the millions of potential readers, not because your writing is crap!
This was very nice. Thank you. 🙂
If I didn’t follow you before, I certainly would now. That was fabulous. Congrats!!
Thank you, lady.
It’s been a wild day. Lots and lots and lots of notifications on the phone. 🙂
I’m grateful for all your encouragement along the way.
Great blog site and layout is amazing. Your story made me wonder why you are knocking yourself, don’t. And stop searching for Ms. Right, she will find you, when you stop looking. Sometimes we look too hard and miss what is close to us.
I look forward to following your adventures through your blog.
Knocking myself is what I do!
I’m good at stuff too, I just don’t like braggarts, so I tend to only talk about the nonsense.
I promise you, no one will EVER read if I just tell you how awesome I am all the time. 🙂
Thank you so much for visiting and saying hi.
I found you today because of the feature. I’m new to WordPress and was looking for interesting people to follow. Glad I found you and good luck!
I’m glad you did, too. Thank you so much for the note.
Thank you, Matt. I’m also going through this horrible thing we call dating or being single or not wanting to be alone, and your words came at a time when I really needed to hear them. Just last night, I was contemplating starting a journal because I have all these thoughts in my head that have overstayed their welcome and need to find a new home. Reading the post about your blog reinforces why we need an outlet for this pain and self doubt. I’m really looking forward to catching up, apologize in advance for comments I’ll no doubt make on older posts, and look forward to whats to come!
Please. Comment away! I’ve had a very difficult time keeping up with them today, and fear I’ll never catch up. But I’ll be flattered each and every time you have something to say on any of the older posts.
Thank you for visiting.
It’s great to have found you. I’m following now too!
I’m taller but divorced and hounded by mistakes. I’ve been reading a great deal of late on shame, fear and vulnerability and it’s helping. I’m guessing your blog will also. I’m looking forward to the ride.
Kindred spirits, you and I.
You know… minus that height thing. 🙂
I’m grateful for your time. The shame thing is HUGE. I’ve read some about that too. And in some of my more-serious posts about male-female relationships, I do my best (which is totally insufficient) to talk about how shame can be such a relationship killer and can make women think men are doing something they’re not.
Thank you for mentioning that.
You will probably be inundated with comments, and mine will somehow end up in the spam folder, but just in case it doesn’t I wanted to say…. (breathe)…. I think it is great how you have grasped humor to write about bad decisions (ie: life). I’ll follow. Congratulations on your fame!
You’re not in the spam folder! I just couldn’t keep up with all of them for a long time.
I probably won’t catch up.
Breathe, indeed. 🙂
Hello and nice to meet you! I followed you after reading the WordPress article and you’ve already made me laugh a dozen times. Although I’m not divorced, I just went through back to back break ups and have been writing about it more than I usually care to. But, you’re totally right, the support of the blogging community is amazing and therapeutic! Looking forward to reading more of your stuff and congrats on your new found fame!
Nice to meet you too. Thank you!
I’m sorry you’ve been going through messy relationship stuff. Nothing easy about it.
I’m glad you’re writing and having the conversations, though. I think that’s how we do better next time.
Hope so, anyway.
Now you’re famous. Just don’t let it go to your head. 🙂
So you’re saying I should cancel that order for the “World’s Greatest Blogger Lives Here” banner I just bought for my house?
No way! That’s going to look freaking rad.
Oh no, if you bought it then you have to put it up. Can’t have a great banner like that going to waste.
I sure enjoyed reading a couple of your posts! Congrats on being selected as a WordPress featured blog. You’re adorable, funny and human. Wishing you all the best in your journey!
I’m certainly human!
Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
Reblogged this on poohloversunite and commented:
Dang, wish I had a robot now…
Yay! And to think I found you just a week or so BEFORE this happened. Does that mean I can be one of the ones who gets to say, “I knew him when….” ?? Congrats!! Glad you’re feeling physically better too.
You absolutely get to say that now.
That title is awesome and awesomely inappropriate! congratulations again!
You know I appreciate it very much. Thank you. 🙂
Hello! Yes, as a result of the WordPress email, I became aware of your blog. Not much time to read right now, but I like what I see so far and I’ll be back. Enjoy your new-found notoriety!
Hello to you!
Appreciate you saying hi!
Thanks for sharing your story. Fwiw, I really admire your honesty and your outlook. Life’s tough. We’re all just trying to get through. And you brighten my day. Keep blogging. Emma
I’m going to do my best.
Life can be very tough. But I also think we can beat most of what ails us.
I think if we keep talking about it long enough we’re going to figure some of it out, too.
Thank you for visiting today.
From what I’ve read a well deserved honor. Your “15 Minutes of Fame” has arrived so enjoy!
Appreciate that. I’m trying to enjoy it!
Well you made it this far, keep going bro. Congratulations!
Appreciate that!
Your honesty shone through in the feature, which is why I’m here. I don’t normally follow the blogs WordPress report on, so relax and enjoy. You’ve done well.
I’m very flattered to have made the cut. I hope there will be a next time. 🙂
Hilarious stuff. Actually discovered you via the WP interview and am now subscribing!!
Thanks so much, Tom.
I get silly sometimes to balance out the sadness. I’m so grateful that people consider it amusing. Thanks for that.
Woot!
Yes! That.
🙂
Thank you for being here today.
I’m very glad to see your blog. I’m going through a divorce right now and I’m a mother and short. Don’t pay attention to the stupid women on the dating sites. They have no idea what they want. I would just be thankful for a guy who has a job (with an actual paycheck) and wants to adore me 🙂 In the end your looks, height, bank account, etc. don’t matter. Congrats and I hope your time is more than 15 minutes 🙂
I am NOT paying attention to the stupid women on dating sites!
I had to quit that many moons ago. It was too unpleasant. 🙂
I like meeting people in real life. Fingers are crossed that will happen.
Great blog and unique 🙂
Many thanks!
Matt, far more important than being tall in my book, is being just a little bit squishable. Love your story–look forward to more. And remember what Gilda Radner said, “Fame changes a lot of things, but it can’t change a light bulb.”
cheers to you
Cheers to you, as well. Thank you for say hi!
Very cool. I don’t often find new blogs through features or Freshly Pressed but something made me read the email. Glad I did. Looking forward to reading along.
I’m really glad you did, too.
A few people have said they clicked when they normally wouldn’t.
That makes me feel fantastic. Thank you so much for doing that.
You know what? I get it. I am divorced as well, but I wanted the divorce. My ex still is abusive towards me even almost two years after it being final. And now dating? Jeez. Men either lie, or they just aren’t the quality I’d bring home to my kids, or they don’t want to be with me because I live with my parents. Blah. Looking forward to reading more.
I’m sorry to hear that.
Nothing’s easy. Marriage. Dating. Parenting. Dating WHILE parenting.
The Mattel Magic 8 Ball SUCKS at telling me what to do every day. So I just keep winging it.
Appreciate you reading so much.
Love the honesty! Like you, my “view” has suddenly become unrecognizable (although for different reasons.) Cheers on finding your new view! (Following you on your journey!)
Thanks for stopping in here and leaving a nice note. I’m so glad you visited.
Reblogged this on Parbinva's Blog.
I know the feeling! I was freshly pressed once (on my other blog), and my eyes widened a thousand times. Enjoy the fame. You are a great writer; I love the authenticity. Will follow (no pressure).
It’s been a crazy day with all the comments. May never catch up.
But I’m so grateful for each and every one of them. Including yours. Thanks for being here today.
Just read the WordPress email that pinged through. Loved the profile. Truly. I’m not a Dad or divorced but totally relate to dealing day to day with my own shortcomings be they actual or imaginary.
Feeling freshly inspired. Because the fear (aka exhilaration) that comes with blogging can be overwhelming. It’s reassuring to know its a ‘normal’ feeling. Occasionally you (I) forget I’m not just talking through my keypad to a small select group of friends. Then after its published I remember. That’s probably better than when I do remember and then don’t press publish. You’ve clocked up one of many new followers…
Thanks for taking time out of your life to visit and write this note.
Feel very lucky to have you following along.
It’s funny because I always get those WordPress emails and I never really pay attention to them… But for some strange reason today I did! I am so glad!! I’ve only read a few of your blog entries so far, but can’t wait to go back and read them all. I think you are awesome and I wish I could find a man like you in real life… 🙂
You win the most-flattering-comment contest so far.
Thank you so much. I assure you, I do all kinds of sucky things to balance out whatever you consider appealing.
Just a guy! There’s lots of them. And there are lots of them trying hard to be kind, decent, brave, strong men.
And I hope you’ll find one.
Just typed a long comment and reckon its got lost in the ether…typing this new one to check that I am right – when this kind shows up.
To sum up last comment – not a dad or divorced. Relate totally. New follower.
Last comment was much more eloquent but an losing will to live with my smart phone!
Yup this one is showing up. Duh! Will leave better comment next time.
🙂
Thank you for making the effort. System might have gotten a little bogged earlier.
That’s very kind of you 😉 but alas I think it was me multitasking (whilst commenting on my phone) and thinking I was going to get away with it. Easier to blame technology!
Wouldn’t have found your site without it!
Super grateful for WordPress featuring this stuff today. Amazing, really.
I don’t normally slow down long enough to read the posts from WordPress but today I did. Your blog title is genius – it totally caught my eye. And your writing style is why I’ll be back.
There’s a lot of nice packed into that comment. Thank you so much!
Awesome! ?
🙂
This is awesome. Congrats! and I love your blog. BTWs, In a 5’3″ world, you are tall my friend.
🙂
I’m not laughably short! Just enough to use it as a metaphor.
Just been reading about you on WordPress. Nice thoughtful piece, well-written. Btw, I met my husband on-line and he’s the same height as you so there! 🙂
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to do that.
I just joke about the height thing. Not the part about online-dating girl hating it, though. So, good thing I don’t do that anymore.
Awesome! I think I might direct a friend to your website who is struggling with her disloyal husband of 40 years. Not sure she is ready for the humour yet though…
Thank you for wanting to share my writing. Very flattering.
I appreciate your note. I’m very sorry to hear about your friend’s struggles.
Got yourself a follower.. one things off your list.
Thank you!
Thanks to the WordPress piece…I found your blog. Love it! Gave me inspiration to change, rekindle my own after some difficulties last year. Thank you!
Appreciate you saying that. I’m sorry you had a rough year. I hope telling those stories is helping you. 🙂
I’m sure it will help a lot, Matt. I hope for great things for you…you seem like a really cool person. Thanks again for the inspiration.
I’m pretty sure you’re going to get a ton of new readers. I’m not male, not divorced, no kids, but I found the interviewing intriguing…so here I am. I think you are right. Everyone just wants to be happy. Congratulations on the interview…I hope your blog skyrockets!
I’m also pretty sure a guy that can write from his soul is not going to be dateless forever. I wish you luck there too!
Thank you. The response has been overwhelming. You’re the third person I’ve responded to. I’ll probably never get to all the comments.
Thank you for reading and saying hi.
So I just clicked over to say that your feature on WordPress was my favorite one that I’ve read in a very long time. I usually just skim the emails I get from wordpress, rarely make it to the end. This one kept my attention to the very last line. I especially loved the part about all of us nobodies, scared of the same things – brilliant.
I’ll never pretend to have a bunch of answers, but I’m definitely getting smarter as I age and experience more life.
One of the most-important lessons to me is how similar we all are under all those surface-level differences.
Thank you for your kind words.
Happy 15 Minutes of Fame (I think it will be longer, really)! Oddly enough, I met my husband through our WordPress blogs. 🙂
Congratulations! 🙂 That’s a nice story.
Did you both tell the story from different perspectives and publish at the same time? If so, I’d like to read that.
Tequila is a good thing.
And I like your short sentences.
K
Yessssss. Tequila. You’re awesome.
Short sentences are kind of my thing.
Congrats, Matt! Looks like you have lots of new fans and followers. Face it, you’re kind of a big deal. But I knew that months ago. ?
Pshaw. C’mon now.
Thank you for saying hi, lady. 🙂
Looks like someone’s gonna need a bigger ride…
Matt, I’m one of the 13.7 million WordPressers who saw today’s feature spotlighting your blog. And I’m one of the several hundred folks who have already been moved to click the ‘follow’ button. (I bet that number is headed much farther north.)
Thank you. You have given me some sorely needed inspiration, through the honesty and humanity in your writing. I only discovered WordPress and the blogosphere a few months ago. As you’ve written, the nicest surprise has been finding so many kindred spirits and fellow travelers ‘out there’. I’m glad the gods conspired to put you in my path. I’ll be looking for every new post, and I’m rooting for you and your son every step of the way. I can already tell you: he is one lucky kid.
Best, Steve
P.S. You were two years old when it came out, so you probably missed the film “Tootsie”. If you haven’t see it, track it down. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll be glad for your day job!
You can’t know how flattering it is to read that I’m somehow inspiring people to write.
Thank you for that, Steve. For your kind words, and your encouragement.
I have NOT seen “Tootsie.” But I am aware of it. You’re the first to recommend it. I promise to keep the suggestion in mind. Thank you!
Tootsie’s a great film! 🙂
Congratulations, What a great blog and site you have. First, you aren’t short (lol…seriously, I am short and guys that are you height are fine, but then again I’ve dated 5’5″ guys – taller than me). Second, you have a talent for writing and I imagine quite a few men (and women) out there can relate to you and your experiences. What I admire most and what speaks volumes about your talent and character is that you are able to write about your trials, make fun of rejection and bare your soul in such a humorous and compelling way. As another single and divorced person who has made bad decisions, I admire you for writing this and will be following your blog. Thank you for making me realize that I don’t have be ashamed and feel like a complete loser for my failure in the love, dating and marriage department! Thank you also for also inspiring me to get on with my blog (11 mos after registering my domain name lol) and get over my fear of opening myself up publicly.
Well, firstly, I would never encourage someone to expose their private lives if that’s something that made them uncomfortable. But if you’ve been through some life experiences and want to tell those stories? I think putting yourself out there as much as possible without hurting others or jeopardizing your relationships is a pretty good way to go.
And I know I’m not THAT short. It’s half-metaphorical. 🙂
Thank you for saying hi.
New follower here, all thanks to your interview….Psssst… Your “human” was showing! Real life is what we live and I appreciate when someone can speak so candidly about it… We are all human, we live, love, laugh, cry… Spew forth vehement rage while trapped in a prison of traffic.. It’s nice to know we are not alone 🙂
Thanks for being real!
I DID NOT want you to see that “human.” Sorry about that…
No. Thank you. For getting it. We’re all just people. Trying to figure it out. Breaking stuff along the way.
And the adventure is in the trying. To be better the next time.
I take a lot of pleasure in telling stories about that very thing.
Appreciate you saying hi very much.
Sooo I was perusing some of your replies .. not to be creepy, but because I’m a baby to this blog world and have clearly learned, in hindsight, that I should not have checked the “notify me of follow-up comments via email” box and since I fell asleep to the lullaby of my phone buzzing with every “atta boy” from a new follower… I felt entitled 🙂
My point, you ask? Loved your reply about being serious, but also acting like a 3rd grader… AMEN, Mi Amigo!! I embrace the importance in that… my 10 yr old son is starting to have moments of embarrassed panic where he cringes at the 3rd grader part, but … hey… that’s a sign of successful parenting 🙂
yep, it’s just another virtual high five … get used to those
I can’t figure out what kind of person would EVER want to subscribe to comments on this blog, but there is a much larger number than I would have expected.
I’ve really been feeling guilty every time I hit the “Reply” button.
Like right… now…
Glad I could heighten the on the edge sense of “should I hit reply”
Now almost as much of an extreme sport as hitting “Publish” :p
It does seem you’re getting lots of new followers. I loved reading your “interview” and congrats on the 15 minutes! My favorite quote was when you said that if you aren’t a little scared when you hit that blue publish button, you probably aren’t trying hard enough. I think that honesty and vulnerability is what makes people want to connect and read your blog. It’s great advice not just for blogging, but for life.
That’s all James Altucher. If you’ve not heard of him or read him, I couldn’t recommend someone more highly.
He’s a genius. And he’s the guy who influenced me to write with honesty and vulnerability. Really wonderful.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
All the best, Matt. You and I are in the same boat, and it’s always nice to know there are other out there. Just don’t ever feel that you’re not good enough for anything. I lived with the doubts myself, and it’s a difficult habit to break out of. Keep the faith.
-Mike
Thank you, Mike. I’m sorry to hear we’re in the same boat. There’s A LOT of us out there–male and female, alike.
I play the self-depricating card pretty hard sometimes. And sometimes I come off a lot weaker than I mean to.
I have some redeeming qualities, and I even know what they are.
Thank you for saying hi. And for your encouragement. Wishing you the best on your journey, sir.
Thanks, Matt, I appreciate that. I do hope you find peace and happiness. Time does help in many ways. For me, I found my kids to by my saving grace. No one needed my love, time, attention, and money more than them, and I’m lucky enough to have them whenever I want. Being a big part of their lives, coaching baseball, things like that have helped. Again, all the best.
-Mike
Loved the interview. Have not been reading through my wordpress emails at all but yours caught my eye. When I was going through the first year as a new mom feeling overwhelmed and very much alone (although married at the time) I found blogging. And it did for me the same things you so beautifully described. It’s a wonderful way to connect with others in such a real and honest way. It doesn’t replace face-to-face interactions, but it somehow provides something deeper, a kind of self-reflective inner sharing. I’ve been meaning to get back to blogging…you gave me the inspiration to do it with complete honesty!
Best to you. Will be checking back.
This means a lot that you’d say all this. Thank you for the smile. Good luck with your writing. 🙂
It’s been a wonderful experience for me.
Ok now you’re a real big shot! Congratulations! Your brand of emotionally naked blogging works!
Let’s not start patting me on the back just yet.
I mean, what if I did something epically stupid like published a post about my grandmother hypothetically hooking up with Liam Neeson’s movie characters the DAY AFTER earning so many new eyeballs for writing serious, heartfelt stories?
I may seriously lose 10 percent of the new folk tomorrow. And you’ll have jinxed the whole damn thing with your “big shot” nonsense.
🙂
Thank you, David. Your support has been really great to have.
You’ll lose the truth seekers but gain a different crowd.
Nope, you get the pat on the back. You earned it. You can beat yourself up on other things (if you need lessons, I’ll offer them). Not this. Kudos to you.
Is this seat taken? Saw the spotlight and you had me in the first paragraph!
Thank you, sir! I’m really glad you stopped it.
Matt – like many others today, I was led to the FOLLOW button and look forward to more of your honesty about Life. I remember going through much of what you are now – if THIS pantophobic (me) survived, I’m sure you will too. I’m so glad you found blogging and so glad I was led here! Thank you for sharing all that you do!
I’m glad, too. Thank you for taking time to write this nice note. 🙂
Glad to know there’s someone out there who can relate to what I’m going through right now. Looking forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
God bless!
It’s beyond important that we find people who just… understand.
Sure it’s nice to tell people you hurt when they care.
But when they can actually feel it too? You don’t wish that pain on others. Ever. But you’re so grateful that they just… know.
Appreciate you taking time to read any of this stuff. Thank you.
I agree. I’ve told quite a number of people that the pain that I experienced (and am still experiencing) feels like I physically died. I will never wish this even for my worst enemies. It’s just… unreal.
I’m a LOT better nine months later. A lot.
And this writing process has been a huge factor in that healing.
Told ya I’d find you! Your Word Press interview was a perfect dose of real human grit, just loved it. As a once divorce’ myself (I’m sure I spelled that wrong, but you have to love the pizazz of that title) I can absolutely relate to what you spoke of, espcially of how it has followed you around since childhood trying to make two distant parents happy, and now trying to nabivate the waters of parenthood with the fancy title yourself. Bravo dude, great interview! And for the record, you came off as anything but a dipshit. ~Best
I’m so glad I didn’t come off as a dipshit in the WordPress piece.
I’m a little less reserved here. Won’t be long before you think: “Man. What a dipshit.”
And I’m not kidding when I say it might even be today.
You’ve got another follower! Thanks for being real…and sharing real life 🙂
Thank you so much. It’s my favorite kind of writing to read. So I just try to do it too.
I’m so happy you were featured on WordPress. You are an excellent writer, and your content is right up my ally, as my dad used to say. I hope you continue to do well here.
For the record, though, at 6’2″, girls aren’t exactly knocking down my door either.
This is a really nice thing to say. Thank you.
Appreciate the reminder that tall guys sometimes have dating issues, too. 🙂
I’m grateful that you read this and took time to say hi. Very.
I started reading the feature on you and then I couldn’t stop. I’m drawn to things that seem transparent and real. After scrolling your post, I think you fit the bill. Take your 15 mins, you deserve it.
Dee
Thank you, Dee. 🙂
The 15 minutes are up. But I have more people paying attention now. Quite the honor.
you totally deserve it! (:
🙂
Thank you so much Opposite Smiley Face Lady.
I’m new to the blog world, but I have to say, yours is one of the most intriguing and inspiring yet. Consider yourself followed, sir. 😛 I admire your outlook on life and your humor. I look forward to reading more from you and wish you and your son all the best. He sounds like a pretty brilliant kiddo. 🙂
Appreciate that. He’s a wonderful little guy. Extraordinarily blessed to have him.
I’m new to the blog world too. It’s been a quick seven months, but I still haven’t got much figured out.
I just keep pounding the keyboard and hitting Publish. Not sure what else to do. 🙂
I am inspired by your realness.. You just got your self a follower. Now I have to play catch up:)
Thank you for wanting to take time out of your life to read any of this stuff. It’s incredible, really. That there are people who want to do that.
Enjoy your 15 minutes and make them last. You are an inspiring writer
Thank you so much for nice comment, Roselyn.
I said it to someone yesterday: I’m not sure I can think of a greater compliment as a writer than “inspiring.”
I’m very grateful for you saying and thinking so. Hope you have a beautiful day.
Saw the WordPress profile and will follow now. Great that you are doing what many would like to, but are still too scared to try-myself included. It’s brave to put your thoughts and feelings out there for all to read. While it’s therapeutic for you, it’s also good for the readers. We realize everyone has fears and we don’t feel so alone. The fact that you step out there bravely makes you plenty tall. Thanks for writing.
I appreciate the encouragement. I didn’t necessarily set out to do what you just described. But that seems to be how it’s worked out.
It’s important for people to know they’re not alone. Very important.
Thank you for reading. 🙂
Hi, I rarely read the WP newsletter featuring bloggers and I’m glad I did today. I’m your new follower! I like how you write.
I am 5’4″ and my husband is 5’9″ or 5’10” ( I don’t know which because I don’t care about it now). I dated taller guys when I was single but later realized as I mature that women shouldn’t care about the height. But more on things that really matter: love, devoting time to family, intelligence, etc. Those things will still matter when we are older and become an inch shorter.
Shit.
I’m going to be soooooo freaking short when I shrink.
I definitely need to lock someone down before then. 🙂
I believe you’re getting more than 15 minutes. The self-medicating part with tequila shots are for celebrating. Congratulations on an awesome blog! I look forward to read your posts (no pressure by the way). LOL 🙂
Thank you very much.
I’m feeling much better now that I know what I’m dealing with. 🙂
I love this blog!
I’m not divorced, not a father, and not single…but definitely not tall enough. I began blogging for pretty much the exact same reasons as you…like in…ages ago. But that was on a different languages and a completely different style than my English blog.
I met some of my very best friends through that blog. People that knew me for what I was writing and that probably had a better understanding of who I was deep inside, compared to a lot of the people I hang out with in RL. They’ve stuck by me through thick and thin ever since, and whenever I pop by my old country to meet and greet, I find that they are the first people I contact and the ones that I’m most eager to see. So yeah, don’t underestimate the importance of blogging and the contact with followers. It can add so much value to your life and provide you with new, completely honest, friendships with people that you otherwise probably would never meet.
Thank you!
I don’t take this process for granted. It’s not for everyone. But if your inclination is to write, it’s an extraordinarily gratifying process, I think.
Hi Matt,
I loved your interview and I’m so glad that WordPress featured your blog. It makes for some delightful reading. Thank you for sharing your life so openly and honestly. I find it far easier to relate to people willing to bare their souls.
I also became part of the “short” world when a car accident left me paralysed from the neck down. So now I am permanently seated, and probably far shorter than you. My husband then also packed his suitcase and left. But, I have to say there is never a dull moment living life at butt-height.
I look forward to receiving all your wonderful blog posts in my inbox.
Stay strong!
Tracy
Oh my goodness.
I’m… speechless.
You’re, like, the ultimate warrior. *deep breath*
Thank you for your smile, for your encouragement, for your bravery, for not resenting me whining about things MUCH easier than what you’ve dealt with, and continue to deal with.
Talk about inspiration.
I can’t thank you enough for showing people what living courageously looks like.
I’ll look forward to next time, Tracy.
Another follower here 🙂
You know what I learned from WordPress is that over here one should not be ashamed,confused or embarrassed about how he/she feels. I was never that naive but now I am just trying to express myself. I know I am not a type of person who would speak up for her worries so now I just write them all.
We all are humans and we all pass through ups and downs. Life is actually the name of these projections and depressions.
The beauty of blogging lies in the fact that there is no limit to expressing all. 🙂
It’s a wonderful exercise. The writing.
I’m so glad to be part of it with you.
Thank you so much for saying hi and visiting here.
What Roselyn Mano said above ^^ Loving your REAL.
🙂 Thank you so much. I do try.
🙂
I’m 6ft2, handsome and taking the dating scene by storm. I’m in your same situation, 36y/o, divorcing after 11 years, two wonderful and bright kids (8 and 4). Since a year basically most of the time I don’t care about anything. neither going to work, and if I don’t manage to invert this trend I’ll be broke for June. I just come back “on track” during the kids time.
Please believe me: dating is helping me as much as drinking, it’s just another drag.
I can’t read your blog now, still too much pain for me.
Wishing you my very best as you work through this.
It’s a brutal time.
Bask in all the hope you can. The personal peace and happiness, I think, waits at the end of the climb. It’s a long and shitty one. But I think it’ll be worth it.
Great interview. Don’t lose that wittiness-it’s your ace in the hole. Thanks for making my day! 😀
Thank you for making me smile. I like doing that very much.
Hang on to your hat – your ride is going to last a lot longer than 15 minutes! I’m excited to read about your journey..
I’m so pleased you want to. Thank you!
Cheers to another follower. I like the name of your blog and your honesty.
Thank you! Cheers, indeed. 🙂
Another crying dude here, but not anymore.
Oh, you got yourself a follower.
Cheers! *ting*
I thought I replied to this earlier because I specifically laughed about the *ting* which totally happened. I must be hallucinating.
Thank you for saying hi!
Wow, happy fifteen minutes of fame! Hope it goes on on longer 🙂
Appreciate that very much!
Yay you! Glad I found your blog : ) I’m divorced, have a child, and make bad decisions too – nice to meet you!
Kindred. Spirits.
Rad.
Thank you for saying hi. 🙂
Congratulations! As you can see there are hundreds of us that saw the Word Press interview and fell in love with it and you at the same time. I literally said out loud, “I love this guy”. I think we are drawn to the “flawed souls” out there, because we all feel that way more often than not. Interesting then, that when we look for mates we demand perfection in them that we don’t see in ourselves. Anyway, great job Matt, I’ve joined your new fan club. Enjoy your 15 minutes but I think it might last longer than that!
So many nice things here. Thank you for liking it. Thank you for wanting to read more. It’s a really wonderful feeling to see so many people say so many nice things. Incredibly challenging coming up with different ways to say thank you. 🙂
I appreciate this note very much.
Congrats, friend. You’re amazing! Hugs hugs hugs!
Hugs back. Thank you, Lara. 🙂 Good to see you!
Matt – I’m another reader who found your blog through the WordPress article. I’m just in awe of how you can breathe in daily trials of fear, pain, suffering, and sadness, and then exhale out courage, wellness, joy, and happiness through your writing and stories. You have a very special gift, a powerful gift. Your writing has developed a “voice” – strong, loud, clear, with a twist of humor, all taken from real life – Quite a healing tool for all that have trials in their lives. Not to mention, a journal your son will one day be very proud of and will be able to see “just how tall his dad grew” through the years. Keep posting!
I am extraordinarily grateful for what you’ve written here.
You have summed up very succinctly EXACTLY who I’m trying to be.
Thank you so much.
Brilliant interview Matt! I haven’t read any of your blog yet but from now on I’ll be following. It is totally wonderful that blogging has given you so much in such a short time, and I hope soon you find someone the perfect height! (If I didn’t already have a boyfriend….lol!)
So many nice things being said! Thank you for making me smile. 🙂
Well we all deserve our 15 minutes of fame at some time, and you definitely do 🙂 Great post about you today. Made me jump right over here to check it out.. so regarding beeing afraid of getting or not getting followers.. I say… be afraid, be really afraid.. because I suspect you will get tons of new followers today 😉 Me among them. So here is good luck to you.. oh yes.. and remember… you are not a nobody 😉 as a father you will always be somebody to somebody 🙂
Thank you, Anne. You’re right. That’s a special boy I have. And I don’t mean to disrespect myself.
Just enjoy self-deprecating humor very much.
Appreciate your kindness. 🙂
I’m with you on the self-deprecating statement, use that a bit myself. Can’t take ourself to serious now 😉 but I just wanted to put it out there, just in case 😉
WHOA! Did you really get 500 new followers overnight? This is incredible Matt. I’m so, so, so, so happy for you. Wow. I love coming back the next day to read all the comments… not today sir. But know how thrilled I am. <3
Thank you, Mel.
It was a very busy day yesterday, and I haven’t caught up yet.
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You’re soaring! Congrats on a fabulous response, and here’s to YOU! What more I could say has already been said…as I suspected it would be. Well deserved. Looks like you can latch on to the success of your blog as a new metaphor (instead of a messy house, lol) for your new life! Success! XOXO-Kasey
Thank you tons, Kasey. Appreciate you being so nice all the time.
Don’t know if you’re still in that drunken stupor… If so hopefully it was a happy one full of celebration! Congratulations, you so deserve the recognition!
Thank you, Gretchen. Really appreciate that.
I never did drink. Maybe tomorrow night. 🙂
I am following you too! I thought I was the only one feeling a bit lost in this divorce thing… Started a blog to work on my stuff too… Thanks for letting me peek into your not so perfect life, and hey, you are plenty tall enough…
This is hard business… divorce. Really hard.
Don’t feel alone. Please. This really does help. This connecting with others who get it.
Be hopeful. Because there’s joy at the end of all of this.
I know it.
I am also single, divorced, a father (full time) and trying to find the humor in life. Thanks for sharing and glad you were featured! – A
Many thanks, sir.
I admire that so much. Thank you for being a good father to your child(ren) and setting the example for other men out there.
Appreciate you being here very much.
Wow! 195 comments for you on this post alone. Is that a record? Good job. You deserve it. Better get that banner quick!
Ha!
It hasn’t arrived yet! 😉
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I saw the post and read it. You are a fantastic writer with a great story to tell. Happy to be a new follower. 🙂
Thank you. I feel so blessed to have new people wanting to be part of my storytelling. It’s been very cool.
I really want to blind date you with my friend Amanda. You two would be amazing….
I’m totally single!
But less than 1 percent of the world’s female population lives in dating distance of me.
So, I’m guessing the math is going to work against me on this one.
Even still. I really appreciate the thought. 🙂 I could use some amazing in my life.