Sherri, Thanks for the advice on that. I will definitely keep it all in perspective and not let other's words or actions influence me. As for your ex....what a JERK!!! I hope he's kicking himself in the butt every day at what he's missing out on. I know that some cops are notorious(sp) for being less-than-faithful, so I am keeping a level head on this relationship. This whole WLS journey has been enlightening....I find that I am much more confident in my dealings with the opposite sex...not just in a dating situation, but overall. For now, my friend and I are just that....friends. We do go out on dates, but due to me working almost every day lately those dates have been basically meeting for coffee or breakfast after work. I'm trying to keep from getting too caught up in the romance, etc. Thanks again! Paula

I think it depends on the two individuals involved. When I worked at a very small agency years ago, I married an officer in the town next too the town I dispatched for. We were a very small county and everyone shared the same radio frequency. Everything was fine until he moved to a bigger agency and began hanging out with eccentric officers who felt it part of their duty to pay attention to everything in a skirt who flirted with them. Needless to say, things ended pretty abruptly when I came home from work early and caught him and a stripper in my bed. Now, I'm happily RE-married, with a wonderful son, and I dispatched in the same department my ex is a police officer in!! Now, I'm over in Records, so I don't just hear him over the radio anymore, I get to see him pretty much every morning when I go past briefing. It bugs the crap out of him for me to stop and chat with his fellow officers. I've told everyone that I have no reason to act strange or funny, because I didn't do anything wrong.... he did, and that's why he freaks every morning when I walk through those doors! Some of the Sgt's & Lt's get a kick out of it. They kind of like to add fuel to the fire by calling me in there and asking me to look over a report they are about to turn in. Sometimes, it's my ex's. It can work though. Just try to keep other's from influencing or changing your behavior! Sherri

Just checking to see if anyone is out here this morning. It's cold here in NC, about 25 degrees (and these bones are used to San Diego weather - I'm dyin here... lol!). It's been a busy night - we have 3 more hours to go before we're off for 2 days - woo hoo!!! I have a busy couple days off as usual but I WILL find time to get my behind to the gym, this is my goal!!! UGH! Anyway, have a great day/night - which ever shift you work! Sheryl 395/217/178

Well, all I can say is it depends on the people involved. I've found some common threads amongst cops and it seems to me the majority are married to nurses, dispatchers and stay at home moms. So of the first two it would seem they go for a like=like personality type mix. The latter seems a more submissive and traditional female role. As for working with someone you are dating, I have seen it happen in the past enough to feel pretty comfortable with it. I think it could be hard for folks who aren't well balanced though. And it could be hard to dispatch objectively during hot calls. I have also seen where one dispatcher I worked with who was dating (and ultimately married) a trooper transferred to our sister center and she had problems with catty comments from the other dispatchers about the trooper....knowing it would bother her. I think it could be exciting and fun and with those who have level heads, even long term and lasting. It just depends on the people involved. I told someone recently who was expressing concerns about dating someone they work with that I guess I feel like work is kind of the perfect place to meet your mate. You learn how they are with other people, you learn their work ethic and you get to see how they interact with their bosses and co-workers. I think this gives a good insight into who you are dealing with....moreso than with the average joe you meet in the grocery store picking out veggies in the produce isle. Certainly it's not a perfect rendering of who this person is off duty, but it's a better start than many people get. As for me, I married my boss....from back when I delivered pizzas. But the same rule applies....you learn more about people you work with and I kind of feel you have an advantage there at times. So, now the big question is: Are you considering dating one of your officers? Dina

We have had a few flood watches but so far no major damage around here. I really do like working for a small agency...we are all pretty close and good friends outside of work. Only thing about that is we can't all go do anything together 'cause that leaves no one in charge of the county. One thing about a small county....when I first started I was in a grocery store and this lady heard me talking to my husband...she came up to me and introduced herself as a scanner listener ....she actually recognized my voice and approached me in the store...kinda weird. It's doubly weird for me cause my husband is a corrections officer and when certain ppl (ex-inmates...) realize that it can be awkward...it's like a little light turns on when they hear my last name and they're thinking "ahh-ha!"