Well, I had one of the most memorable dates this past weekend, that I have ever had. But not in the way you might expect.

It starts with the fact, that I have never agreed to a “meet”, knowing so little about someone. We had not been chatting long at all. We had not even begun to scratch the surface of getting to know each other. We had mostly “generic type” exchanges. You know, generalities, mixed in with some “issues of the day”.

Despite our limited exchanges, he quickly suggested we meet somewhere COVID safe, for a coffee or a cocktail. Hmmm…I was thinking, what do I even know about him? Should I? Oh, WTH, it hasn’t worked too well the other way…why not! And I agreed. Yes, trying to stay open minded!!

We both put our thinking caps on in respect to choosing the place. To date, I had only been out to three different restaurants during this whole pandemic. One, which is local for me, seemed to me, to have very solid COVID practices in place and the patron numbers, were kept very low at any given time. I had not been there for a while, so I confirmed they were still in place, by checking with a friend of mine that is a nurse, that I knew had dined there recently. She did in fact confirm all the above, so we planned to meet there at 2:00pm to safely put us past the usual lunch hour.

We both arrived a little early and unintentionally met in the parking lot. There were actually more cars than I had expected. I was impressed that he recognized me with my mask on. We then did “flash” each other our faces. He looked quite a bit different to me, than his pictures…but, pretty much like himself. Besides, “hello”, his first words to me were: “It’s a rental.” To be honest, I hadn’t even noticed what he was driving. I did however, inquire on the reason for the rental. He told me, he’d give me all the details inside.

They required that we sign in with contact info and we were glad to see the staff were all masked. We chose a booth in the furthest corner, equipped with a plexiglass divider and no one seated near us. We ordered drinks and appetizers, and there was certainly no lack for conversation. He’s definitely one of the chattiest guys I have ever met. I’m thinking that was probably a good thing. It seemed as though, everything I had to offer to the conversation, well, kind of (excuse my bluntness, but…) “pissed” him off.

Whether it was, how many hours I worked, or how I work through my lunch (my choice), or how much equity I had in my condo (Oh, that one!)…his reaction struck me odd. He was asking the questions and directing the conversation. Searching for “something” I suppose. Oh BTW, his car was in the shop for repairs, that’s why the “rental”.

When he shared about the minimal appreciation his property has experienced…and then inquired on mine…I wish I could have posted a picture of his face! He looked so upset that I had that much equity in my property! WTH! He obviously realized his “uncontrolled” reaction, as he made a comment that went something like: “I’m not mad at you. (What? Why would he be? Or should he be?) I guess I’m a little jealous.”

He went on to ask if I had “written done” a list of my desirables, when I was in the process of purchasing my condo. He told me that he wished he had, as he overlooked some things that he wanted, in exchange for a lower price. He elaborated on his sacrifices. I confirmed, that yes, in fact I did have a list. He said: “You actually wrote it down?!” I said: “Yes. That’s what you asked me, right? I even wrote it down for the realtor I was working with.” Again…the “face”, you would not have believed. It soon became apparent that it didn’t matter what direction the conversation was guided to, it wasn’t going to make him happy.

Now mind you, I felt immediately that we were not meant as a match. I was trying though, to continue to stay open minded and see this through. Give it a chance. I was not however, feeling an attraction, on any level, really. But, he seemed like a nice enough guy and we were enjoying a good bite to eat and a drink and some time…UNTIL…

The waitress came back to our table and informed us that the restaurant had just been notified that a patron had tested positive for COVID19 and we would have to “cash out” and told us: “Sorry, but you have to leave.” I was shocked! And immediately uncomfortable and could not wait to leave! And that we did!

In hindsight, I am a bit surprised that they even charged anyone on the premises for their bills. Inappropriate in my opinion…but that’s only my opinion. He did let me cover the tip.

Have a fabulous week. Stay safe and healthy and alert…you never know what’s around the corner. Until next Thursday…Adrienne