Acceptance - My next challenge.

[Arsene]

Yeah, in a way, you are right 25. I'm just crap at meeting people full stop. I don't feel comfortable but I have tried over the last few days and I have to say it's been successful. Last night, after work, I went to a cafe where many of my old circle occasionally hang out and bumped into an old acquaintance sitting with a few friends. She introduced me all around and I ended up having a good time talking with these new people. I got my acquaintance's number and we promised to keep in touch and she said she's let me know if anything happens (party, bbq, etc..).

While at that table, another old acquaintance showed up. Some guy I once played the guitar with a few years back. Again, we had a nice chat and exchanged numbers with a promise to get together this week to jam.

This evening, after my gig, I also made an effort to go talk to 2 young guys who seemed to have enjoyed the performance. It turns out they are musicians and one of them lives in my neighbourhood. We exchanged numbers and he promised to come by to jam at my house. His friend said he'd send me some of his original material to have a listen and we could try to work on arrangements together.

I feel better. Thanks 25 for the kick in the butt.

It seems my W is curious about the little GAL I've done as well. I guess she found out through the maid that I'd been out late last night so she asked me about it. I stayed vague and just said I'd been out. I'd also forgotten a gift one of my female student gave me (it's common for students to bring gifts to their teachers when they go out of town)on my dresser and it says "To Arsene from (female name)". My wife asked me about it saying:"you got a gift?". I simply replied "yeah" and moved on as if it was unimportant.

I've also noticed (from the corner of my eyes) that W has been checking me out when ever I walk around the house bare chested (which is a lot in this climate). I have to admit that I've not looked this good in 25 years and I flaunt it whenever I can. Also, today, when D8 asked W when she'd be back W said that maybe we should all do something together this Sunday. I didn't reply or even acknowledge but once W was gone, D8 looked at me with look of complicity, a huge smile and a thumb's up.

I'll let her bring it up again if she really wants to do it and I'm not getting excited about all of this because in the end, she'll do what she wants and what she feels like doing.

All of these are just baby steps. Nothing major.

Is she reconsidering us or is she simply happy that I appear to be moving on? Who knows? So there is no point getting excited.