Sun dresses, sunglasses, sweat, and dates. What do these have in common? Just a little thing I like to call summer -prime dating season. At least it was for me in my more promiscuous days when my online dating account became my little black book. Nowadays I spend my free time catching up on my favorite TV shows or going to the gym or brunching or… well, you get the idea. As an engaged woman I am no longer looking for that special someone. However, it wasn’t that long ago that I sifted through ridiculous messages that made me wonder where have all the good men gone? I just wanted a nice guy, who happens to be smart and funny and fit and charming, and throw in six pack abs while we’re at it. He should, at the very least, be able to spell. In a sea of people, why was it so hard to meet someone worthwhile?
Sean started our first date by showing up 20 minutes late. I hate waiting. I find it insulting that someone would have such a disregard for my time that they would stroll in after the grace period of being five, maybe ten, minutes late. But late he was, and met me with a grumpy face (which he would later admit was a side effect from the stress he felt from being late). After the prerequisite drinks were drunk and appetizers eaten we went Dutch on the check. Going Dutch isn’t a crime, and more people are doing this on first dates nowadays, but I’m old fashioned and like to be taken out on a date.
At the time, Sean was yet another online date in a string of first dates that made the idea of a life as a dog lady (I hate cats) somewhat appealing. I didn’t realize that this guy who showed up late was going to make me feel sparks when we kissed. Or that someone who made me pay for half the bill that first night would tell me he loved me in eight days. I sure as Hell couldn’t have guessed that he would want to spend the rest of his life anchored to me legally. I’m glad I didn’t discount him for all the arbitrary flaws I projected onto him initially.
The magic of online dating is you never know what you’re going to get. It is, in a sense, controlled chaos. Your date can start out well but end in disaster, or vice-versa. People don’t always represent themselves honestly but you accept a drink invitation because from what you gleaned from their profile/pictures/private messages is that this person might have something to offer. If you want to fall in love, or have a chat with someone who also loves cats as much as you do (dogs are better), or even go on a date because you’re bored, there’s a catalog of people to peruse to find what suits your mood. And even if it gets frustrating it’s still amusing, and even better: exciting! That’s why we keep going on dates, because any date can be the date with that someone worthwhile; even if it’s a bust, 9 out 10 says you have a good story to tell the next time you see your friends.
P.S. If you’re curious about my first date with Sean, tune in to the blow by blow next week.
