How to Date in Tennis Shoes and Stiletto Pumps

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There are many ways to have a first date after being in a long term relationship: nervously, apprehensively, fabulously, and in such a way that it makes your toes curl, heart flutter, breath stop and eyes close slowly…in simple…and…undeniable bliss! I had that type of first date with a gentleman I met at “networking” happy hour in the District.

Our meeting was nothing special. We exchanged names, cities of birth, why we moved to DC, our current occupations and volunteer projects.

Then, he made a joke and though I can’t remember it, I remember the way his laugh made his whole face brighten. When at first I saw a potential Facebook Friend…after seeing his smile….I imagined a probable dinner buddy with the perfect row of bright white teeth.

We conversed a bit more and exchanged business cards, the equivalent of getting a “phone number” written on a torn piece of paper back in the early 90’s.

He emailed. We coordinated Google calendars. We met on the roof deck of Lauriol Plaza!

Sharing chips, guacamole, soft tacos and pica de gallo, we enjoyed the warm but muggy breeze! I didn’t even think about the ruining my fresh press and curl!

It was like those lyrics in a Jill Scott’s song, A Long Walk….where she swoons about conversation, verbal elation, stimulation, relaxation, and elevation….

Over a glass of swirl we connected, and left our representatives behind as we delved deep into each other backgrounds and interests. And after he paid the check, we strolled to the nearest metro arm in arm, slightly tipsy from our marguerites.

Then…

We took it step further and exchanged cell phone numbers ….

I was elated!

No, I was ecstatic....until....

Seven days passed without a phone call! I tried not to sweat it. Tried to play it cool, tried to act like it didn’t matter. Tried to pretend like maybe we didn’t have THAT much of a good time. Tried a few superstitious stunts to “make the phone ring” like…put the phone on silent and focus on “other things”…delete his phone number so as not to be tempted to call him…and hide the cell phone under my bed at night...out of sight, out of mind!

The phone still didn’t ring!

I had spent less than four consecutive hours with the guy in question, but yet he had dominated over 168 hours of my head space – more or less.  

Had I thought I could pick up with A Long Walk, where I had left off with my ex?

Was I expecting to fill the the space of time spent with my ex over the course of years, with an individual I had only just met.

I didn't even know dude's middle name, who his kinfolk were, if  he preferred paper or plastic, if he scratched his balls in order to relax, or if he secretly wore superman pajamas to bed at night....which might be a deal breaker since I am a self-proclaimed Batman fan.

During our hypothetical long walk, we had yet to start the race to coupledom and as a result were no where near the finish line.  In fact, our date was similar to a warm-up.  We had gone through the stretches, calisthenics, and deep breathing exercises in order to decide if the race was worth running.

I had showed up to participate, he hadn't.

So, I took my cute little Nine West encased foot off the starting line and left the track….and just when I had resolved to find a new running buddy...

A Long Walk Called….

Dating in DC continues with Fireworks and Freedom...make sure to leave your mark and post a comment!

And...watch for a new post every Wednesday....