"Is your husband or boyfriend a runner?"

Remember me? Realist here checkin’ in with the remix.

There is a lot on my soundtrack. Crazy stories that I would love to blog, but it would take me a lifetime to write everything.

I should be on a dating reality show with all the stuff that I attract. I am writing about this one because I value the opinion of my readers.

As I was walking to the gym, I realized I had left my water bottle in my car. The guy parked next to me had his window down and asked about the kinesiology tape on my legs. It gets so much attention and is a man magnet!

“Is that a tattoo?!” he asked.

“No. It’s therapy tape,” I said. Then I explained what it does.

“Oh, I was gonna say that I can’t believe you would get a tattoo like that. If I had legs like you, I would show them off.”

Whoa, there! Here we go haha.

Keep in mind that I am cracking up the ENTIRE time of this conversation. I wish I had a film crew with me!

“What do you do for your legs?”

“I run.”

“I can see. I don’t run. I just lift.”

“How much do you lift?”

He said it but I could not follow. I had no clue what he was talking about.

“I have no idea what you said,” I laughed.

“Do you run marathons?”

“No. I am not a professional! My first marathon is in April in Long Branch. Half marathons are my longest race.”

“I don’t know. For all I know I could be talking to a f#$%#ing famous runner!”

I continue laughing, really loud.

“Is your boyfriend or husband a runner?”

I laugh so loud that China can hear me.

“Do you date only runners?"

“I prefer runners but it would be awesome if I dated a pro….or a celebrity.” I paused. “Are you trying to figure out if I am single?"

“Well, what about your boyfriend or husband?”

“Oh my goodness!"

“I am sorry for cursing. I hope that didn’t offend you.”

I actually did not realize he cursed, but I didn’t say that I didn’t notice. I like a man who is cognizant of his language and tries to be gentlemanly!

“Well, I don’t curse…..”

“Oh I’m so sorry! I won’t curse anymore. Just for you."

I laugh some more.

“You don’t need to curse. Don’t. Stay the way you are.”

Hmmm…smooth talker.

Then we talked about what we do for work. He is an engineer.

“Where are you going now?”

“To the gym!”

“Oh, I am going to go to Signature (another gym) to get a protein shake.”

We talked about protein shakes. Ey, don’t judge me.

Then we talked about where we live. Of course he was wondering if I ever got shot or mugged, considering I live in one of the most dangerous cities in the US, but I love it here. “Danga” is my middle name.  Scandalous is my first. ;)

“I am moving though,” I said.

“Move in with me!”

“Wow! You are very forward!”

“I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”

I keep laughing. I didn’t know what else to say!

He gave me his number and said he hopes to hear from me so we can go out one day.

 

I do not know how I feel about this. I only saw him from his torso up. He wore a hoodie. He is not who I would consider as a potential. I was turned off by his forward approach, especially with that boyfriend/husband question. I HATE when guys ask that! Just say you are digging me and want to take me out! Men are such wimps. I can understand why though. I gave the poor guy a hard time haha all I did was laugh! I was caught off guard and found it funny that my tape was the bait. It sure works! He had a firm handshake though. I like a man who means it!

I thought it was so funny that he asked if I would date a non-runner since “runners tend to date other runners”. Actually, yes. I prefer to date my own breed. Running is a big part of my life and I would like to share that with someone who has the same interest. I know I am being very rigid by wanting to date a runner. If he does not run, then he must have some sort of athletic hobby and be in shape. Fitness is a non-negotiable quality in a man. That, and the guy must be not shady. It’s all I ask!

I should suggest a running date with this guy. He better be faster than me!

I don’t know if I will contact this guy. I wasn’t feeling it. His game was terrible, but I thought the conversation was funny because of his lack of game. I give him credit though. It is not easy. Should I give him a chance? If I do, I don’t want him thinking I am leading him on if I end up not liking him. I don’t feel any attraction toward him. Looks are not the only thing, but I feel like this guy would fit well in the friend zone.

To date, or not to date? That is the question.

 

Keepin’ it real,

Realist

And finally, a positive development...

Wait a minute now, I think things just got a little bit more interesting.

I had a routine lunch with The Journalist today. Great conversation, lots of laughter, as usual. Walking back to the office, he made note that after his contract ends at the end of the month, we won't have these lunches anymore. "I'll miss you!" he said. "Would you like to hang out again anyway?"

"Yes, I'd like that!" I said. When I got back to my desk, I sent him my personal email and cell phone number.

It was a really subtle moment--kind of came and went like a whisper. But I got happier about it as the day went on. I've really enjoyed spending time with this guy, and lately that little spark has been there in his little touches when he talks to me (and I don't mean dry static sparks! bah dum bum!). I'm glad he finally manned up and went for it. I like the way this is going now. Hopefully I won't have to wait another month again before anything new happens!

Trying to stay positive,
Skeptic

Touch me once, touch me twice

The journalist has settled into role of my work husband. Which is fine--we all know how the work-husband relationships work.

But.... he is also quite a touchy guy. He touches me on the arm or hand when he talks to me frequently. When he talks to me, he often starts out talking to me over the cubicle wall, but then moves around to be next to me at my desk. he ALWAYS compliments something that I'm wearing--jewelry, scarf, outfit, etc. Is he just a chronic flirt? Is he genuinely coming on to me? It's things like these that made me convinced he had a crush on me to begin with, but I wouldn't be surprised if he acted that way with a lot of girls.

To add to the puzzle, our work-marriage is headed for an impasse. He is a contractor, and his contract is up at the end of the year, so he's been job hunting. I also just found out that my team will be changing offices in January, so I'll be in a different location, anyway. After the time he told me about his date, I decided he is firmly in friend territory until he suggests otherwise, since I'm not going to pursue the un-pursue-able. But...... is it do or die time now? Even though he's a friend, and even though it may mean nothing, every time he touches me on the arm I get that kind of electric feeling and wind up daydreaming for the rest of the day. Then again..... I'm also (nearly at the same time!) daydreaming about the Great Dane. Clearly I'm in a foggy state of mind, replaying the old "hits," and probably I just want *some*one in my life and these two guys are just conveniently top of mind. But I just can't tell what to do here! I hate trying to interpret guy actions. Someone just tell me what he wants. Or better yet, HE SHOULD just tell me what he wants. Ugh.

Lunch with the Journalist tomorrow. I don't anticipate anything unusual happening, but I feel it necessary to bring up the fact that our lunches will soon come to an end.

Trying to stay positive,
Skeptic

Dead-end?

I sent the Great Dane an email just to say hello, asking how things are going. He wants to Skype soon! Is it bad that I'm kind of geeked about it? *sigh*

I need to find someone new to go out with. Someone in the country, ideally.

Trying to stay positive,
Skeptic

They all come back....

Remember the Cuban Teacher?

In light of the way things left off after our one date a couple of months ago, I was quite surprised to get the following message from him:

"Remember moi? How have you been? Want to give it another shot? :0) "

HA. Wonder what gave him the idea that I'd want to see him again? No, thanks. But thank you for the laugh today.

Trying to stay positive,

Skeptic

So much for Makeup Man

I met Makeup Man online. He is a product developer for a major cosmetics company (sort of a lipstick lab rat). He seemed promising because he was unusually more of a gentleman than a lot of other guys who pop up online (sad as it is to say, it doesn't take much). He was proactive in reaching out to me, he was responsive and understanding to my requests (like wanting to meet up right away rather than pointless message exchanges over and over). We chatted briefly on the phone a few days before we met, and he seemed sweet and genuine, and it was nice that we seemed to see eye to eye on some things (at least from what I could tell this early on). I was optimistic. After probing a bit about my food preferences/limitations, he even came up with a place for us to meet on his own, and suggested a place in my town. May seem like a small thing to some people, but I very much appreciated it.

The place that he picked out was a great bar in town with excellent food. I hadn't been there before, but now that I know about it, I'll definitely have to go back. Very cozy, nice unpretentious crowd, kind of small, and a towny bar without being too divey. I loved it. He was very nice--almost your stereotypical "nice guy"--the kind of guy who is friends with all the girls because he's "safe," kind of a nerd, happy-go-lucky, and generally a gentleman. I could tell that very easily about him. But I kept searching for any kind of chemistry. It wasn't there. If I had met him in other circumstances, (and I realize how bad this sounds), I would have been convinced he was gay. He actually reminded me a lot of one of my closest gay friends (which may contribute to it). And I kept asking myself, do I want to hug him? Can I see myself kissing him? Is there a spark in our conversation at least? I kept coming up empty. I can do a good job keeping up a sparkling conversation, but even the conversation was quite forced, and I should have cut the evening shorter than I did, but am a sucker for being polite, so I agreed to a second drink.

On the sidewalk was time for the awkward goodbye. He asked if I'd like to do this again sometime, and I said sure (I regretted it as soon as it came out of my mouth. What can I say--I'm a total wimp and hate being put on the spot. How could I say no to his face? I've got to work on that). He went for the kiss, but I did manage to give him a cheek, and then promptly made my escape.

I walked home from there shaking my head at myself. Another one bites the dust, and now I have to figure out a way to let this guy down. As I'm writing this post, I got a text from him. Trying to get up the courage to cut the cord. *sigh*

Trying to stay positive,
Skeptic

From The Journalist to Makeup Man

Had another lunch with The Journalist today, who is turning out to basically be my work husband, since we confide in each other about a lot of work stuff. It's still as confusing as ever, as he is a bit of a toucher, and there was one awkward moment during our lunch conversation when one topic ended, and instead of starting another conversation, he just stared at me and smiled. In many cases, I would take the opportunity to flirt. But since The Journalist has planted himself solidly in friend territory, I just awkwardly looked around and gave him a WTF look. Dude--you are a work friend until you give notice otherwise. You made that decision yourself when you decided to tell me about your date.

Anyway, stay tuned for a new introduction..... Makeup Man!

Trying to stay positive,
Skeptic