Are We on a Date?

Last fall, a friend from NY visited and introduced me to his friend, A., who had just moved to DC. We exchanged numbers and said we should hang out. That was that.  A few months rolled by and in January, A. texted me and asked if I wanted to meet up for a drink. I was excited to meet up with someone new - especially a cute, eligible guy - but had no clue if this was a friendly drink with someone new in town or a date. My last date was the Match one from November and so date or not, at least I knew what this guy would look like.

So, we grabbed drinks at a local bar and ended up talking for 3 hours. It was great, except for the part where I told him that he was undateable. Apparently, my dating skills were a bit rustier than I realized... and I still had no idea if it was a date or not. We made plans the next day to meet up the following week, which went slightly better as I did not say anything disparaging about him. I still had no clue what this was, but I was having fun. It was great getting to know someone new and hearing a different perspective on life. I forgot how much fun this part of dating was - the new input on the same subjects, the fresh voice in your life, and your same old stories having a new novelty to someone. I realized that I didn't care what it was - I was just going to enjoy it. For those of you who know me - you know I'm terrible at living in the moment - but that is what I was doing and it was actually fabulous. 

On our fourth outing, I decided that they weren't dates and managed to sneakily confirm with him - K.:"These non-dates have been a great way to get me back into dating mode..." A.: "Really? Good for you, I'm thinking of taking a break for a bit."- okay, maybe not subtle, but it worked and I think he will provide a good male perspective when I am dating. Also, I had a blast drinking wine, eating pizza, and wandering around the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I realized that I was feeling less rusty and I really am ready to start going on unambiguous dates.  

It may not have been how I thought I would start dating again - I'm pretty sure we all imagined that it would be a bit more clear cut - but it got me started. And started I am, I have a real (no question about it) date this week AND have been on Coffee Meets Bagel for almost a week now....so wish me luck and I will be sharing the good, bad, and horrifying soon enough!