1000 web dates an in-the-trenches view of dating and relationships today

My Favorite Date, Part IV

There's a background to this story. You'll find the others here: Part One, Two and Three.

As we finished bowling, it became obvious neither of us was ready to have the evening end. Alas, the curfew my friend had imposed upon me was nearing, so we walked over to her place. I was hoping I'd be able to convince her to give me her house keys so I could stay out as long as I wanted. Luckily my friend embarrassed me only a teensy tiny bit before handing them over. And so, we were off.

But what to do? We were downtown in a major metropolitan area. It was past midnight. The streets were mostly bare save some homeless people wandering about. I wasn't about to jump into his car and go back to his place.

So we walked. For hours. Without a purpose, other than to continue sharing space with one another. Which was making me vibrate more and more with the energy shared between us, but left me frustrated that I couldn't really get a good look at him unless it was out of the corner of my eye.

Finally we found a place to sit: a beautiful, almost romantic corner next to a community center. We were completely alone, and could do or say anything we wanted to. Yet all we did was talk, and talk. Rather, I talked, and he listened intently. I later found out he'd mentally cataloged every word I'd said. I've never felt so heard in my life, and recognition is a huge part of my motivation.

Several hours passed, and it became obvious that we couldn't stay out all night. It was cold and the concrete seat was uncomfortable. Nothing was open, and I wouldn't get into his car. We hadn't kissed, nor had we touched each other. And I knew that if I looked into his eyes one more time, we would.

Instead, he walked me "home" like the perfect gentleman, saying how happy he was to have met me, and hopefully that we could do it again.

It was a simple date, and after typing it all out I realize I can't recapture the magic I felt that night. But what I did know was that I'd met someone truly special, someone who would change me in a very important way, even if we never saw each other again. This man saw me. He got me. The way he looked at me brought tears to my eyes - he truly, honestly thought I was beautiful, and not just physically.

I've never been a proponent of love at first sight, but that night? Anything was possible.

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