Nerves

I can't stop thinking about Friday. I continue to follow the rules, sending Brian texts only every couple days, not looking like I'm too excited. But I am. Excited. Really excited. I have to get some new clothes, and I'm having a manicure. I'm so nervous. This dating thing is FUN!!! I haven't been this excited in, hmmmmm, I honestly don't remember. God, it has been a long time.

I haven't had any other conversations online with anyone else because I am too focused on this date. That's OK the other guys will be there when I get back - or there will be new ones.

Is There Any Sound on this Thing?

I've been texting with Brian for a few days. The texts are easy, the conversation continues to flow well. I want to tell him that he gives good text. But I remember the rules about NOT expressing any feelings or emotions. So, instead I ask him if it might be possible to actually talk to him. I explain that I am a person who really needs a voice to go with the image you posted of yourself on the dating site. Which at this point I don't even know if that's real. I just need a tiny bit of reality in this seemingly fake, virtual dating world.

So, we talk on the phone. I follow the rules. I block my number so he can't see where I'm calling from. I keep the conversation short. I get a date.

Next Friday.

Oh my God, I think I am going to throw up!

Dating Rules

I have not had a date. Well, like, never. Really. I've never been on a date. Or dated. I can't believe I am 42 years old and never went on a date.

In high school I kind of just hooked up with boys. No not sex, it was just like we kissed and we were instant couples. Then in college I met Todd at a friend's party. We made out. We were a couple. We were together for 7 years. When our relationship ended I found J. We knew each other from school. We were friends. There was no dating. There was mostly talking, having fun, and all of a sudden we were a couple. And now here I am.

So this dating thing is completely new to me. And what does a person who thinks a lot and analyzes a lot do with that? Well, research. On Google. Probably not the best thing but where the hell else am I supposed to get dating advice?? From my happily married friends? Or my divorced Dad? Please, if someone has some good advice please share. But for now I'll continue to consult with Mr. Google on what the hell I'm supposed to be doing.

All these rules. I can't even keep them straight.

Date multiple men at once. Men play the field. Women should too.

Don't call or text someone more than every three days and never express any feelings for ANYONE!!

Send out at least 3 emails a day on the dating site to increase chances of finding a match.

Meet someone in person after less than 5 email exchanges or fall victim to being a pen pal.

and this one, use texting to communicate between email exchanges and actual in person meetings. What?? Why?? Why can't we talk on the phone? Or just meet? I hate texting.

But for some reason I feel compelled to follow the rules....

Brian (easy talking guy) gave me his cell number. Let the texting begin.

The Man behind the Computer Screen

I've been conversing with mostly two men via the online dating site email system this week. They both seem really nice. One, the conversation flows easily with. Seems we can always find something to "talk" about. The other is more difficult. More like pulling teeth to get a conversation going. Plus easier talker has nicer pics on his profile. Looks like a fun guy. Maybe I should watch out for the "fun" guy though. That's how I got where I am today.

But I want fun. My life has enough routine, mundane things. And while raising two preschoolers alone is always chaotic. I want some adult fun. Wait. That doesn't sound good. Well, you know what I mean.....

I've Got Mail

This online dating thing is addicting! I can't get off the computer. Love it. I love checking for new email messages. And there's lots! Most are useless but still nice too see so many.

There's a lot of weeding out to do. Really, man, step it up a bit. You are really going to send me an email with "Hi"? That's it. Nothing else. Do you have enough intelligence to read my profile and maybe piece together a sentence or two asking me something about myself. Or at least showing me you are literate.

I read to my two preschoolers every day. I know it's been a looong time since I've been with a man. And maybe I'm going into this thing with an open mind of who I will go out on a date with. But being able to read and write is one of my criteria.

Closet Online Dater

My sister is visiting this week. We drank some wine and decided to create online profiles. I need a man. I need a relationship with a man. I'll probably end up meeting some psycho because that's my luck. But what's my alternative??

Not like I'm meeting tons of eligible men watching Disney Junior and going to preschool story hour.

So, here goes....