A new thread for Eye-Tie

[EyeTie]

And things just get stranger in my world.

Reading book after book, trying to decide when it's "right" to start dating again, I gathered that "you will know" is the right answer. Although some say wait years, others say different, I just hedged my bet on my gut. I have been dating casually over the last few months. I know I am not ready to get into a relationship, but it's fun to meet new people and try new things. One of my goals since starting dating again is to try a new experience to get away from the "Dinner & a movie" stereotype. On different dates we have attended art premieres, cooking classes (if you are a single guy, I IMPLORE you to go to these), wine & painting classes, etc.

A few weeks ago I met (again) a girl. She is a few years younger than me, has a daughter that is my S age (7) and we hit it off. I had met her probably 5 years ago in passing, I remembered her because I thought she was "cute" but at the time I was married. A few weeks ago we ran into one another and talk/spend time together a few times a week. She is single, her D father is a deadbeat, she has her own place/career/car, etc. I will call her "J" for the sake of conversation.

Previous to J, I have probably gone out on a few dozen dates. Some were fun, others were ok, I refuse to say any of them were "bad" but it really showed me what I wanted in a new partner and what I didn't want. And as shallow as it is, I set up a "points" system, but I am analytical so I need to see that type of information in front of me. And the "points" can be something as stupid as "20 points if they like Star Wars" or "50 points if they have their own home" or "10 points if they know how to cook", just helps me keep my head clear. I have met a few girls that I thought would be great partners but as time went on, I realized that it would not work out.

Anyway, I digress. In my head, 500 points is a score for me to really think things could be great with a person. J hit 500 points almost 4 days ago...We have been talking for a little over 2 weeks. When I first saw her, she was sitting on a bar stool talking to my Mother at a family get together (she isn't related to me, long story, her best friend is my Uncles fiance) I was walking in with my cousin and I said "Holy crap, who is THAT?" I was smitten from the start.

Since our kids knew one another, it wasn't weird for them to be around one another. We make it a point not to hold hands, kiss, whatever in front of them and it's great. My WW knows at this point about her (it's impossible to keep anything from her so I don't even try anymore) and she actually said "EyeTie, for the first time in a LONG time you look really...happy..." And frankly, I am. J's daughter spent the night last night with my kids and they had a fantastic time, later we are all going out to dinner together as well.

Now, I am not saying I am going to jump right into a relationship with J, but it's absolutely incredible to meet someone who I have so much in common with. Even the other day, she got in my car and I had The Sinatra Station on Sirius playing, I went to change it and she said "No, leave it! This is all I ever listen to in my car!" At first I thought she was kidding, but later when we had to take her car, that station was on when she started the car. I really dig this girl.

Now, as for the D. There has been zero progress. The WW keeps coming up with excuses why we can't get it done yet. From the old house not being on the market to my health to my new career, etc. I am not sure if she is finally getting cold feet or not, but either way, life is good and it's only looking up.

Thanks for listening.