It would be unfair to say I have been actively dating the past few months. In fact, I have been foolishly holding onto the broken pieces of my most previous relationship versus making any real effort to move forward. In an attempt to try and pull myself out of this romantic-funk (see what I did there?) I started clicking around the ol' dating site a bit more seriously than usual. After browsing through dozens of lackluster profiles of moderately attractive men, I found one that shined through the others. This gentleman was dark and handsome, 25 years old, gainfully employed, and interested in the same variety of music and movies as myself. What the hell, I thought. Couldn't hurt to say hello.
So I sent over a message. Something random and brief about seeing Death Cab for Cutie a few months back, and then again flying over them on the ski-lift at Summerfest last week. I closed with my number, and encouraged him to hit me back to meet, quite possibly, the coolest redhead anyone could ever know. A few minutes later I received a picture message of Death Cab playing at Summerfest on that very night I was there. Impressive, sir. Well played. After a few exchanges we had decided to get together on Sunday for a few beers.
Imagine my relief when I opened the door last night to discover a very good looking, adult male, who was both taller than me and didn't smell like hamster cages. He even had facial hair, and dark-rimmed hipster glasses. I melt all over again just thinking about it. Conversation picked up immediately as we had tons to learn about each other. He even made his move for our first kiss very shortly into our meeting. Which was ballsy, but appreciated by me, as I move quickly with things myself as well. It was a pretty perfect first date that I floated through with ease and confidence. Sounds like a sure thing, right? At least for a few more dates? Wrong. Because he moves to Boston on Wednesday.
Now lets think back to a recent blog in which I mentioned the bearded fellow I met at trivia night, the one who I hit it off with and spent a lovely evening getting to know. That guy, also pretty perfect chemistry, did call me after our initial meeting. But only to inform me that he was moving to Texas a few short days later. What in the world is going on here? Is it impossible for me to meet someone qualified to date Katie Keller that will keep residence in Illinois longer than a week after meeting me? My girlfriend asked me after explaining this date to her, "are you just men's 'goodbye'?" It certainly is starting to feel that way. As though I am one last good time before anyone I could be interested in sets out to start another life far far away.
So I sent over a message. Something random and brief about seeing Death Cab for Cutie a few months back, and then again flying over them on the ski-lift at Summerfest last week. I closed with my number, and encouraged him to hit me back to meet, quite possibly, the coolest redhead anyone could ever know. A few minutes later I received a picture message of Death Cab playing at Summerfest on that very night I was there. Impressive, sir. Well played. After a few exchanges we had decided to get together on Sunday for a few beers.
Imagine my relief when I opened the door last night to discover a very good looking, adult male, who was both taller than me and didn't smell like hamster cages. He even had facial hair, and dark-rimmed hipster glasses. I melt all over again just thinking about it. Conversation picked up immediately as we had tons to learn about each other. He even made his move for our first kiss very shortly into our meeting. Which was ballsy, but appreciated by me, as I move quickly with things myself as well. It was a pretty perfect first date that I floated through with ease and confidence. Sounds like a sure thing, right? At least for a few more dates? Wrong. Because he moves to Boston on Wednesday.
Now lets think back to a recent blog in which I mentioned the bearded fellow I met at trivia night, the one who I hit it off with and spent a lovely evening getting to know. That guy, also pretty perfect chemistry, did call me after our initial meeting. But only to inform me that he was moving to Texas a few short days later. What in the world is going on here? Is it impossible for me to meet someone qualified to date Katie Keller that will keep residence in Illinois longer than a week after meeting me? My girlfriend asked me after explaining this date to her, "are you just men's 'goodbye'?" It certainly is starting to feel that way. As though I am one last good time before anyone I could be interested in sets out to start another life far far away.
Bearded Ben had mentioned that he wanted to stay in touch. That he was only going down there to finish up school, and he would make frequent visits back home. Which means nothing to me. We only met once. It's not like I will lock myself inside waiting for his return. I decided not to kid anyone when Boston Boy left last night. He kissed me goodnight and told me to have a good trip to Nashville this week, I responded by telling him to have a good life. Because I will do nothing but break my own heart if I even entertain the notion this kid and I will ever even see each other again, let alone be romantically involved.
Welp, such is life. I have decided after a long day of contemplation that these situations are all signs of something good. Sure it's frustrating. And it makes it really hard not to pick up the phone and beg the ex for his attention again because he is here, at least for now, and I won't have to wonder whether my heart will be broken or left for Boston. Because with him a broken heart is a sure thing. What it does prove is that I am redirecting my radar. That I have sought out, though fleeting, two really great guys. Not the kind that I just see great potential in and hope to someday recreate into something worth dating. Both of these guys are well established, intelligent, and mature. They, in the short time I spent with them, were kind and attentive. And I will go on believing in my overly optimistic mind that had either one of them been staying in the greater Chicagoland area, that they would have been incredible romances. That we would have continued to get to know one another, fall deeply and passionately in love, and when they made the big moves to Boson or Texas that I would be in the passenger seat grateful for the opportunity to start a new life.
Goodbye Boston Luke. Goodbye Bearded Ben. I enjoyed your kisses and playful banter. I even more so enjoyed the reminder that men like you are out there. You were both just on your way out, and a part of me loves being your goodbye girl. One more sweet memory to hold onto from Illinois. I hope you find everything it is you boys are looking for, and thanks again for reminding me what it is I am.
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