In the middle of a chaotic day, Patch sat down to interview one of its own: Emily Wilcox, author of arguably the most exciting column of the week, "Singled Out." This quick and witty writer looked the part in fitted jeans, a black blazer and aviator shades. She was the picture of effortless cool. Now, for your reading pleasure, we'll get to know the lady who gets to know everybody else week in and week out.
Name: Emily Wilcox
Age: 35
Occupation: Writer
Current Location:
Relationship Status: Married
Interested In: More singles signing up to be interviewed on her "Singled Out" column.
So, you write for Patch. Where else do you write?
I write for women's magazines like Diva, FHM and Curve. I used to write for the Los Angeles Journal. I had a weekly relationship advice column that was around for a couple of years.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I think early on. I was always writing little stories and poetry. I thought I was brilliant, which I wasn't. But I think there's something fun about words. There's something about taking words and putting them together like it's art in order to induce an emotion. Eventually, I started combining my writing with my relationship coaching, which I had been doing for a few years, so now it's kind of became one. That's how the idea of a singles column came about.
How long have you been married?
Five years.
How did you meet your husband?
I was walking down the street, and he was running from the opposite direction on his cell phone, not paying attention, and he bumped right into me. It was like a bad movie! He's really sentimental, so we got married exactly a year later to the day.
So now I have proven the theory that you don't need to look for love because it's the one thing that is always looking for YOU. Our only job is to be open to receive it and feel worthy having it. Which, prior to that in my life, I was very unworthy in my mind. It took a lot to work on myself and move past old issues.
What do you love about your husband?
I love that he's sort of everything I'm not. He really is my opposite. I learn a lot from him all the time. I love that he doesn't procrastinate. It doesn't matter what's happening, he just does things as they come. He's very happy-go-lucky, nothing gets him down, he never complains, he's never stressed. I'm like a total freak show compared to him. We are working on having a family.
What three qualities did you look for in a man when you were dating?
This is kind of embarassing, but I made a list of 93 qualities I wanted in a man after I went through a break up, and I wasn't going to move on any of those 93 qualities even I stayed single forever. And then I bumped into him. A year later, to that day, we got married. He was every single one of those qualities. Number four was that he loved to cook, and he cooks every night. So, even down to the details, he's everything I wanted. But if I had to pick the top three, I would definitely say communication, trust and honesty.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Robert Downey Jr., without a doubt. I love him, I don't care how many drugs he does. I literally think he's the most brilliant actor.
What are you favorite local spots in Montrose?
I like the because it's very cool. It reminds me of Happy Days, being in there.
Would you like to share a nightmare dating story?
I had a boyfriend, like, 10 years ago, and he and I had a tumultuous relationship. I called to check his voicemail one day, and it was this girl, and she was like, "Hey, sweetie, I'm here at the bar waiting for you. See you soon. Love you." This is my boyfriend, my two-year committed boyfriend. I remember I was driving in the rain, and we pulled over (I had his phone in my hand), and I opened the door, and I kicked him out onto the ground with my feet, and then I took his phone and chucked it into the rain, and I drove off. I didn't talk to him for a week, and then I took him back because he said we could go to therapy and talk about it, which we did. It was completely ludicrous. This is what I mean when I say I didn't used to have self love. Obviously we broke up.
That girl was real? It wasn't like a wrong number?
Oh, yeah, he was seeing her, along with I don't know how many other people. He's married with kids, and he still calls my phone sometimes because he can't help himself. It's like he doesn't know how to be loyal to anyone.
He calls you for dates? Gross.
Yeah, he's gross.
Well, his grossness is long gone, and now you can live happily-ever-after with your man of 93 magical qualities!
Want to be featured in an upcoming “Singled Out?” E-mail for more information. In her words, "it's free, fun and good for your soul."
