Finally. Days before I graduated from my early twenties and moved to my mid-twenties, I finally had my first real date.
Surprisingly, my first date was an antithesis of everything I stood for when it came to dates. It was a set-up date, almost fitting to be called a blind date.
Background: A good highschool friend sent me an sms out of the blue (without any intro) if I was up to being set up. After a hearty laugh on my part and a convincing sms from her that she was dead serious about setting me up, I said yes. She was of course shocked how easily I gave in. She had a whole elaborate plan in her head just in case I said no. She even took the initiative of asking my two bestfriends to help her out. I didn’t ask much about the guy, it was enough knowing that he was the older sib of her bf who’s also a good friend. Nevertheless, my friend did volunteer a lot of information which would ordinarily skyrocket any guy’s rating but in my case, it scared the hell out of me. He was obviously accomplished in his career and was the settling down type. I was just beginning with the social development haha One thing was constant in my head though, that this was a friendly date, no expectations. afterall he was leaving in a week. This was the jumpstart date I have been praying for (or should I say having personal conversations with the Big Guy). I could not afford to say no or else the Big Guy up there might just all together give up on me.
Pre- date:
So come days before the date night. He texted me and we set the specifics. Til that day I had no idea if we were going on a group date or what, all I knew was that I was not budging on the car arrangements(despite the combined efforts of my gal pals that this was a BAD idea)- I would be bringing my own car. Alas! My car was in the shop til that day! Back to the story, I didn’t ask where we were going until I was with him inside the car. Nonetheless I was my usually chatty self even while texting, or should I say more of my usual useless chatty self since he mostly took charge of setting the time since I was all over the place. I was in my character, giving him the upperhand in making decisions but I think he was also in his character, being all accommodating to my wishes.
Date night:
I had the worst headache that afternoon but I was determined NOT to back out. That was the trouble with me, it doesn’t take much for me to say yes, the issue is if I follow through. I downed meds and coffee and prayed hard that I’d eventually feel better and I did. I did also made the mistake of letting my friend know bout my headache dilemma who basically volunteered the information to Mr. Doc (yes, he’s a doctor!one major check in my profile requirements). She also ratted out that I was worried he would come up to the office. Since I started working I said to myself my personal life will be absolutely separate from my work. Anyway, at about 7pm after making a tons of excuses I finally came down the building. Funny thing was of all days that I have been reporting to our hq, that was the same day that I bumped into a college blockmate who made a quick visit just when I was on my way out. On my way down, it dawned on me how on earth would I know who I was meeting up with. My bestfriend did try to get a picture on some social networking but to no avail since the photo was dark lit. I sent him an sms saying sorry to disappoint him that I wasn’t wearing my hot pink campaign shirt (I believe this was our first inside joke). He then had to tell me what he was wearing. I sat on the café seat al fresco as I waited for him. For whatever reason when I saw him I knew it was him. I came up to him. No spark. I just felt comfortable. This was going to be a relaxed night.
Fast track:
We lost our way to fort. I wasn’t much help with the directions. BUT I was as chatty as I was in text until i realized that he was actually concentrating on driving. Whoops! Then I asked where we were heading, he said in a French restau for dinner and we’ll see what’s next. Of course, ever the honest person that I was, I blurted out that I wasn’t a fan of French cuisine BUT I was willing to try. He didn’t let that go. He showed where the French restau was then told me that there was this other place. And to my delight, he said chef laudico. I am such a foodie and so hearing a familiar name excited me! This was going to be a good night! For one we weren’t going to the usual date spots. he researched and he researched well. Kudos on the plan b! we finally settled with chef laudico bistro Filipino.
In Sum:
I enjoyed the dinner, super enjoyed the dessert and absolutely loved our conversation. It was a relaxed night. I didn’t feel the need to be conscious of my actions or my words. The conversation was flowing but not to forced (he gave me time to marvel at the food). We discussed everything and anything. He was no push over and I digged that. A lot. Then again, there was still the initial impression: no spark. and he was leaving in a week.
Needless to say as the night progressed to day… my mindset of the date made a 180 turn.
*to be continued*
