The Week in Review | 01.25 - 01.31

Please Sir, May I Have Some More?
Yet another blast from the past popped up this week, in my Yahoo IM. I’m clearly sending some sort of signal from there out to the Universe, requesting everyone I’ve rejected in the past to come around again for another beating.

This time it was The Brit and as only a few short IMs re-established, we are definitely not a dating match. We had both thought we were a physical match before, and had even had some physical-only fun once or twice after the date bombed, so upon hearing that I was single he offered that up. He’s willing to be whatever I want him to be. Oh, the power! I'm tempted to abuse it, but I just don't think I can make-out with someone I can't successfully converse with.

I’m kind of flattered, clearly I made an impression on these men that was favorable. At least I’m doing *something* right. Then again, I did meet all of them on CraigsList, and with a crap shoot like that maybe I’m just the most normal gal they’ve come across. The crap shoot goes both ways, of course, so who am I to complain?

And the Pendulum Swings Back…
Last week it seemed the only men interested in reaching out to me online were men in their 40’s. This week, it’s the early twenties and students. Today alone I was instant messaged by a 23-year old (who is sure he isn’t the typical 23-year old I’m imagining, even though he’s STILL IN UNDERGRAD) and a 25-year old just back from studying at the library (he’s studying to be an actuary and taking MBA classes). At least he’s in the graduate arena of his studies.

As I briefly explained to the 23-year old, I’m looking for someone who’s in a similar stage of life as I am. Someone who has already enjoyed their irresponsible youth… someone who’s had a real job… someone who doesn’t live with his parents…

Seriously where are the men in their early to mid thirties?

Failed First Dates: The Brit

a british import
decent teeth, off-colour wit
nothing in common

The Brit was an English journalist in the States starting up a new publication. We met through a CL post and IM’d or talked pretty regularly for a week or two before we officially made a first date.

I had high hopes that we might have a real connection. Our conversation had been fairly easy as well as entertaining. I felt the cultural difference but thought it could be fun, or at the very least would give us plenty to talk about. Besides, my grandmother is British and I’ve always loved a dry wit.

We met for drinks at an English-y pub, but even after a few delicious brews it was clear that we weren’t a match. I felt the physical connection, but couldn’t get past what became a larger and larger communication gap. Everything he meant to be funny came off as confusing and/or rude. He would say something, expecting a laugh, and I would try to figure out what he had meant without feeling offended.

Perhaps more off-putting was his tendency towards sexual innuendo. I’m all for flirtatious speak and a little bit of sexual tension - it’s what usually leads me to believe my interest is romantic and not just platonic - but his came off dirty, rather than suggestive.

Eventually we were reduced to talking about beer and petting the local dog that was hanging out. I try to be a fun date regardless of my interest level but I think the Brit caught on towards the end. True to his Continental manners he walked me to my car and chastely kissed me on my cheek. Cheerio, old chap.