Back when I was dating, the dreaded C word was Commitment. As soon as most men found out I had a child, they ran. If I ever got close enough to say the words, 'I love you,' they ran faster.

In this quote, Regina Brett reflects on her past experiences with dating and how commitment was often a barrier in her relationships. She refers to the "dreaded C word" as commitment, a concept that seemed to drive men away when they learned about her being a mother. The quote underscores the challenges she faced as a single mother in the dating world, where potential partners were often reluctant to engage in a relationship that involved emotional depth or the responsibilities of parenting.

Brett also highlights the emotional vulnerability that comes with saying "I love you," implying that expressing love was a point of no return in her relationships. When she got close enough to express her feelings, the men would "run faster," signaling their reluctance to commit not only to her but also to the potential complexity of a relationship with a child involved. This suggests that for many of her past partners, the idea of emotional commitment and taking on the responsibilities of a step-parent were overwhelming.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Brett's personal experiences as a single mother navigating the dating world. As a journalist and author, she has often shared candid insights into her life and relationships, particularly in her book God Never Blinks. Through this quote, Brett explores the intersection of parenting and dating, addressing how societal expectations and personal fears can impact romantic connections.

Ultimately, Brett’s quote speaks to the struggle many single parents face when trying to build new relationships. It highlights the difficulty of balancing parenthood and romantic desires while dealing with the fear of rejection or abandonment. The quote serves as both a reflection on her personal experiences and a broader commentary on the challenges of navigating dating and commitment as a parent.