Nashville's Most Eligible - Blogger & Bunny Mom Monica DiBenedetto

She's young, traditional and on fire for the Lord. Her name is Monica DiBenedetto and she's a blogger who writes about her faith and real-life issues like mental health and other stuff that people don’t typically talk about in-depth on social media. She tries to see the beauty in everything and loves connecting with people.
When it comes to relationships, Monica has her turn ons and turn offs like everyone else. Here is what she's looking for (or not looking for) in a person she dates.
TURN ONs
  • Sense of humor and someone who is lighthearted and makes people feel good
  • Self-awareness (if you can talk Enneagram with me (she's a 4) I automatically like you more)
  • Maturity
  • Willingness to put effort into a relationship and understanding that it isn’t always easy!
  • Someone who makes me feel comfortable to be myself around
TURN OFFs
  • Apathy / no drive to do anything
  • Being over-competitive
  • Flip flops (this is so superficial I’m sorry. Had to throw it in.)
  • Someone who is not in touch with their emotions
"Someone’s inability or unwillingness to give you what you need does not mean you are unworthy; it just means they’re not for you."
As for her top three must-haves, anyone she dates must love the Lord, have empathy and make her laugh. And if you don't like kids or rabbits, you're just wasting your time. Monica has a rabbit named Cooper who is her pride and joy. The duo comes as a packaged deal, so no Cooper, no Monica.

Besides hanging with Coop, Monica also spends a lot of time blogging, journaling and writing poetry. She enjoys online shopping and lounging at coffee shops, though she's trying to find more interest in exercising.

Keep reading to learn more about what Monica likes and looks for in a partner.
 What are some lessons you have learned from past relationships?  
Do you have a year? Haha.
  1. You don’t need someone else to complete you. You are whole on your own, even if that one break up made you feel like you were going to die without the person for a minute.
  2. If his actions don’t line up with his words, then his words mean nothing.
  3. You’re not always going to be on the same page in the relationship - this doesn’t necessarily signify a red flag. A red flag is assuming you both have to be in complete synchronicity at all times in order for the relationship to be healthy (hello, codependency!)
  4. Someone’s inability or unwillingness to give you what you need does not mean you are unworthy; it just means they’re not for you.
What are your thoughts on online dating?
I actually think online dating is a cool way to meet new people, and I tried it out for a little bit. I think I’m at a point where I don’t really want to seek anything out though. I’ll let it find me.

Who should make the first move?
I’ve been known to slide into a guy’s DMs before...But coming from a more traditional standpoint, I would never be the one to actively pursue the other. I think that should be done by him. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being the first one to show interest, though!

What is the biggest challenge with modern dating?
It’s so hard to know what a guy’s intentions are these days. He might be flirty, but who knows if he’s interested in pursuing something or if he just wants something casual. Always a fun little guessing game!
What would you consider to be the ultimate dream date?
I’m not super hard to please! I think dinner somewhere pretty with good conversation would be enough for me. I’m not crazy adventurous and I love being able to just talk to someone uninterrupted. Over-the-top dates stress me out more than they impress me!
Speaking of impressing Monica, here are the places to go or things to do that will likely score you a second date:

  • Pretty much any coffee place would be a winner, but some favorites are Crema, Stay Golden, and Cafe Roze.
  • 12 South
  • Jeni’s and any place that serves ice cream!
  • Scenic places to walk/hang out
  • Any place that has wine and/or margaritas
  • Atmosphere is important to me, so any place that’s cute I’m typically a fan of! Luckily Nashville is known to be pretty cute.

It also wouldn't hurt if you were Bradley Cooper, Keith Urban, Matthew McConaughey or Liam Hemsworth. Whatever you do, don't take Monica on a roller coaster, near spiders or anywhere up high because she's terrified of those things. Instead, watch the movie A Star is Born with her and listen to the soundtrack afterwards.

Check out Monica's blog and follow her on Instagram to keep up with her daily adventures. Don't forget to tell her how cute Cooper is.