After L convinced me to get on Bumble, I changed around my dates to accommodate a new flock of men. It was easy, and my first date was something else.
His name is John. 58. ATTORNEY!!! I told him that I swore off of attorneys and wouldn’t date them so he said it wasn’t a date. We could call it something else! He works for the Securities and Exchange Commission and takes the metro everyday to Union Station. He has the most amazing blue eyes, a sparking smile, a kind heart, a runner, divorced with no kids, veteran. He is an animal lover; raises and rides horses. His outfit was nothing to write home about. Baggy jeans and a nice, light blue, button down shirt that looked great with his eyes.
We had really good conversation right off the bat. He picked out a dive bar, based on my profile saying it was a preference. He was a true gentleman and stuck to my one drink policy, which he carefully ordered the minute I sat down. It was an orange infused wheat beer that we both thought tasted similarly to Shock Top. We lingered over the beer as both seemed to not want the date to end. Then he said “I have wine back at my place.” Didn’t work for the prison guy – for sure worked for John. I drove since he walked.
He lives pretty nicely in a cool loft in Arlington. He’s very tidy and had some nice pieces of furniture and art.
I went to the bathroom and when I came out he had two stemless glasses, each filled with a perfect amount of merlot, each glass wading in its own bowl of warm water. Ummmm… ??? He explained that he opened the bottle earlier and worried that it would “fall apart” at room temp so he put it in the fridge. He wanted to get it to the perfect drinking temperature. Warming it a bit that way was beyond sweet. Adorable even. I think that may be the moment “it happened”. I wanted to date him again. Like, real date. Dress up. Nervous energy. Shopping for an outfit kind of date. 100% against my rules as this was supposed to be harmless fun.
He complimented me. Made fun of himself. Didn’t say one word about his ex. Didn’t blather on about nonsense. We had intelligent conversations about politics, botox, dating, transportation, travel, animals – horses in particular as they are a passion for him.
Like the others, he texted me this morning. Unlike the others it didn’t say “great date or good morning sexy or when can I see you again?” Instead “I’m seriously dragging this morning. But glad it isn’t raining on my way to work!” Taken aback I screen captured and sent to my friend John, for the male perspective and L for the female perspective. In a strange twist they both seemed to agree: a positive that he texted and take it as he wanted to communicate. One difference, L asked he to set her up with his tall rich friends! I will surely try!
Let’s see if I get asked out on a second date. I hope so.
Jay, the ever optimist, messaged me asking how the date went, hoping it “went south” and that he could “comfort me”! I told him it was awesome and that I was not in need of breaking the glass for an emergency booty call. He said that he would keep trying. I have no doubt.
Online Dating When You're 28 - or 50 