By Dixie Dreamer
Is there anything more nerve-wracking than a first date? Imagine my surprise when I found myself rummaging through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit for my own ‘one-on-one.’ As I tried on the third pair of shoes, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why do we put so much pressure on these first meets of fate? There’s mystery, magic, and, quite often, a little mayhem in the art of dating.
I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…
Take Sasha, for instance. She was all set to meet a charming fellow who worked for UPS. Ironically, the man whose job was to deliver packages couldn’t deliver himself to the right location! There she was, looking fabulous and yet puzzled, standing in a restaurant as text after text came in, “I’m sure I was at the right place!” If only he’d tracked his own steps as diligently as a parcel. It makes you wonder, are we as dependable in love as we are in logistics?
Then there’s the case of Sasha’s unexpected chauffeur gig. There seems to be a new dating trend, or should I say, a call-back to chivalry bypassed? Sasha’s interest peaked when a sophisticated gentleman asked her out. But this knight in shining armor had a twist in his tale—he casually requested that she pick him up. In her sleek sedan, she ventured out, pondering if this was a glimpse into a future where women drove the romantic steering wheel, or merely an alternate version of the carpool. Was gasping for air a part of getting gas now, too?
And then there was my personal night at the baseball game. You’d think an evening among peanuts and cracker jacks would hit a home run, right? I met a promising prospect who seemed just as interested in the game as he was in the innings of our conversation. Five batters later, he promptly declared an inning-ending, announcing he had other “commitments.” As he left, I jested to myself, was it something I said, or was he just not ready to play ball?
First dates are fascinating. They’re like opening an unfamiliar book—one could be a thriller, while another might be a comedy of errors. It’s these unpredictable stories from the heart that remind us of the joys and jitters of human connection. We dress, we drive, and sometimes, literally, find ourselves in the wrong place, quite like love itself. So the next time you’re standing in front of your closet, vying for the ideal avatar of love, remember this: Each first date is merely a chapter in the grand novel of life. I couldn’t help but wonder, what’s your story’s first line?
I couldn’t help but wonder… What’s your worst (or best?) first date story? Did you meet your soulmate over a romantic dinner, or did you endure a cringe-worthy evening that left you questioning your life choices? Share your tales of first date triumph and terror with me at Columnist@ICHBWColumn.com. Let’s commiserate, laugh, and maybe – just maybe – uncover the secrets to a successful first date. Until next time, stay fabulous, and keep on dating! XOXO
