The fear of dating rejection…

I wrote yesterday about how I’ve not had a date in a couple months, mostly because I moved to a new city. But that’s not the only reason. For the longest time (going all the way back to my teens), I had a huge fear of rejection. So truth be told, I would only ask out a girl after I already knew she was interested. There’s still a fear of rejection even in that situation (and there were some rejections, too, after I misread their level of interest!).

In my thirties and forties I have become a little less fearful. I’m not saying I’ve turned into a love machine or anything, but I’ve [learned, or learned to care less] which helps in the whole fear of rejection thing.

Honestly, I can’t think of any opportunities I’ve recently had to ask a woman out since, but I’m a little more aware of those opportunities now… especially since the older I get, the fewer and more far between the chances are.

All of this still comes with a side note: I’m happy as an unmarried man. I have my little home, my dogs, and a sense of contentment that brings me happiness. There are a lot of nice things about not being attached (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise), but I know being partnered up is nice, too (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise).

And now another side note: as soon as I take a chance (20 seconds of bravery as it’s put in “We Bought A Zoo”) and ask a woman out, I will write about it… whether the outcome is positive or negative. And really, the worst that can happen is she says no and I keep on living my life without her, the way it’s been already.

Thanks for checking out my blog today!

-Out of the Wilderness

I haven’t had a date in…

I left Nashville almost 2 months ago. Since arriving in Florida most of my time has been spent with my family (parents, siblings, nieces, etc). Family was the driving force for the move south so being with them a lot is going according to that plan. But all this time spent with them doesn’t leave much time for outsiders (dates!). In fact, a few weeks before leaving the volunteer state was my most recent date, so that makes it 74 days, 16 hours, 34 minutes, and 29 seconds since I’ve been out with a woman. Not that I’m keeping track. 🙂

Do I miss going out on dates? Some days, yes. But to be totally honest, dating during the holidays is hard, anyway. Not to mention I don’t like being outside in the cold. So winters in Nashville consisted mostly of me and my dogs huddled next to a space heater watching football or YouTube.

Trust the science! OK, this is a joke.

I would imagine it will be another month or two before I even think about asking anyone on a date, for two reasons: 1. Holidays and cold, 2. Is there a woman out there ready for my weirdness? (that’s a rhetorical question and also, not a rhetorical question).

Till then, I will be content becoming more involved in my family’s lives, which was the main purpose of moving south. And it’s been pretty great so far!

-Out of the Wilderness

Dick’s Sporting Goods Holiday Commercials – The Music and the Jockstraps

*If you’re looking for the 2024 commercial featuring J.J. Watt and family, click here*

You might not think a store where you can buy jock straps would put together an ad that touches your heart… and you’d be half right. Because Dick’s has not one, but TWO commercials that will warm your heart. Take a look at them then scroll down for more info about the soundtracks for both.

The Backyard

The song fencing in this backyard ad is “My Home (Love Brings Us Here)” by Jon Mero. The full track on Youtube is below. The song was released in 2021.


The Hoop

Music playing as the backboard to this ad is “American Beauty” by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. The song was released in 2014.


If you have loved ones who compete, would that make you an athletic supporter? On a related note, you can buy a jock strap for around $15, not too bad!


How do you feel about these ads? Do you like one more than the other? Comment below and thanks for stopping by…

-Out of the Wilderness

Apple’s Snowman Commercial – The Music and More!

Apple has released an ad this holiday season about the short life of a snowman named Simon. Check out the 2+ minute commercial…

The song serving as the soundtrack is “You and I” by Valerie June. It is one of the tracks on her album released this year (2021) called “The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers.”

Valerie is from Memphis. More about her can be found at ValerieJune.com.

All shot on the iPhone 13, check out a behind-the-scenes video from the making of the commercial.


How do you feel about the ad? Chime in below!

-Out of the Wilderness

Least favorite Christmas songs of the 2021 holiday season

Yesterday I published a list of my favorite songs of the 2021 Christmas season so today I’m going to be Scrooge by posting my least favorite songs of this holiday season. Nothing against them, I just don’t like them. Bah humbug! Here are a few, not including the ones that I’ve never liked from decades past (yes, I’m looking at you “Christmas Shoes”)…


“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – John Legend featuring Kelly Clarkson

“Christmas All Over Again” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” – Bruce Springsteen

“Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” – Kelly Clarkson / Ariana Grande


Do you hate me now? Which of these songs shouldn’t be on the list? Let me know! Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal…

-Out of the Wilderness