The Date

He texted that he was running ten minutes late. When I got to the bar, it was packed. Crap, why did I pick this bar? There was barely enough room to breathe. I texted, ‘Are you here? It is packed.’

I recognized him before he could response. He looked exactly like his pictures. Not really my type, but I am trying to keep an open mind here, people! He was also dressed down in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Add to my Dating 101 Tips: Make an effort to dress up on a first date.

Expecting to be disappointed, I had just come from the gym and not put on any makeup with the exception of lip gloss (is that even considered makeup?). But still…honest to God, I looked hot. Here I was, shimmying around in a black dress alongside Mr. Casual.

I recommended that we go to the restaurant across the street instead. The hostess said there were seats available. I followed her as she lead the way and when she turned around quickly, I smacked right into her.

“I said I was still looking for available seats, ” she quipped.

“I’m so sorry. I thought you were leading us to our seats. I’m so sorry.”

She laughed it off and this time asked us to follow her. As I sat down, she smiled, “I went to high school with you.”

“Really? St. Joseph Notre Dame?” I pride myself on knowing most people who went to my high school as it was so small. I figured she was probably in another class. I still didn’t recognize her.

“Yeah, I was in your class.” I was stunned. She had to prompt me with her name. I stood up and gave her a big hug. She had gained some weight (as we all have) and was wearing glasses which she didn’t in high school. We talked about the people we still kept in touch with, summarized our lives, and exchanged contact information. She was also nice enough to send over a couple glasses of Prosecco.

I felt bad for my date as my old classmate and I caught up, but he didn’t seem to mind. I think it would be great to see a date bump into someone from their past. It says a lot about that person. How do the two interact? Do they tend to keep in touch with old friends? Do they care enough to try and get together in the future?

Overall, the date went surprisingly well. He knows a lot about wine and food. He’s health conscious (which is not a positive in my eyes). Seriously, people, I want someone whose eyes light up when I say the magic words: “Let’s go to Jack-in-the-Box!” He seems family-oriented, seems to have a lot of friends. Definitely friendly, outgoing, and generous.

And funny. He was funny! Now I say that, but when I think of the history of all my first dates, I don’t know whether my date is funny or I just think he’s funny because he’s laughing at my stories! I never seem to know the difference because of the alcohol. First dates are a smorgasbord of anxiety, nervousness, fear, and strategizing on escape ploys. Of course I’m going to drink a lot. Therein lies the dilemma; I can’t say for certain whether or not he was funny.

We ended up back at the other restaurant for more drinks. The crowd had dissipated. More stories, more laughter, then time for bed. It was a school night. He complimented me on how I looked and what a good time he was having. I smirked something about me being the best first date he’d been on and he cut me down with a resounding ‘no.’ I loved that. But he insisted I go to another bar with him (his cousin was in from out of town). He would pay for my cab ride back home. He requested one more hour of my time, gently holding onto my hand. At which point, I knew I had him.

After we parted ways, there were a few text messages back and forth. ‘Thanks and had a good time’ were the gist of them. I smiled. I did have a good time and was looking forward to a next time.

Until I received a text today, ‘I know yur thnkin of me,’ which was not the case, is too presumptious, and completely aggravating. If you’re going to say something like that, all the stars have to be aligned.

Therein lies the current dilemma.