Misadventures in dating

If you were here right now, we'd be sitting at Sweetest Thing Cupcakes in downtown Newberg sharing a cupcake and our hearts over some tea. I would laugh and tell you about my latest misadventure in dating while being happy because it's just one more foul ball on my grand slam quest. One of these days, hopefully soon, I am going to hit it out of the park. And when I do, I know you'll be there cheering for me.

I met him online. He was my first contact on a free dating website. We chatted online and on the phone one time before deciding to meet in person. He was going to call me a bit later that night, but I didn't hear from him until four days later, the day of our date.

When I finally did meet him, his first compliment to me was, nice butt. I should have ended the date right then and there. I confronted the behavior, and he said never pass up an opportunity to give a compliment. Seriously?!

We walked down the streets on Newberg long enough for all my favorite places to close and long enough for me to understand that this man was a self-proclaimed project. Ladies, can I tell you a hard fought truth I have learned from all my misadventures with men? If he isn't the kind of man you could see raising your babies with you right now, run for the hills and never look back!

We ended up eating an early dinner together at one of my least favorite places in Newberg because it's become the home of my almost but not quite connections with people. He rearranged the table as if he were a child. I think he thought he was being cute. I thought, what a spoiled brat! But, being hyper curious, I had to make sure I wasn't missing out on something good. So I fired my calibrated canon ball. I asked him what his life's mission was. He said it was to let go (pause for dramatic effect) and let God. I stared at him and started praying, "Jesus, how do I support that mission?" What a train wreck.

He couldn't wait to get out of there after that. I walked him back to his car. He hugged me and gave me a kiss on the head and told me it would be all right. Well, sir, I know that, but this date clearly was not.

It wasn't a complete disaster. We had some laughs, somethings in common, and he truly did listen to me. But I didn't feel valuable, cherished, or special when I was with him. I am no longer desperate, sisters! Let's hear it for progress!

I learned to trust my gut, that I can say no, and that I am worth being treated well. And, I am talking to someone else. I am excited to meet this guy because he shares his day with me and wants to hear about mine. I already feel special when I talk with him.

So, here's to hoping the next one sticks. And if not, I know my man will find me one day. It's just a numbers game.

Thanks for sharing my tea and cupcake with me. May you always have awesome dates and learn from the not so stellar experiences.