Meanwhile 12 Years Later

[DonH]

Wow! Look at this... I actually have something worth posting about!!!

This will likely make more sense to those of you who have some prior knowledge of me, my life and my threads here. D'd for 12 years and have not really had much luck dating. Gave up with On Line Dating (OLD) a few years ago and while I've met and dated like a half dozen ladies in the last year and perhaps a dozen in the last two years, there really has only been one who I hit it off with, who checked many of my boxes and who I really had interest in. Of course, life had other plans as she lives 10 hours away and more recently has moved to Florida - I'm in Wisconsin. Everyone else I meet, I just don't feel much of anything. In fact, I was texting with someone on Friday as I was heading out for a weekend event and band gig. We may get together for a third try but I just don't feel it with her.

Anyhow, so, I've nearly just figured I won't get "that feeling" most people. I don't even know why. I don't try NOT to, I just feel how I feel. So enter someone I met a year ago, at this same event. I've known her aunt for many years and in the last year have gotten to know her parents. She and I have texted now and then but it just never took off. So, Friday evening I see her parents and with their teen (15 and 17) granddaughters, who ended up to be her daughters. I went over and asked where she was and was told she'd be there on Saturday. I have no doubt mom quickly texted or called her saying I was looking for her. Evidently, mom and dad just love me. It's hard to explain. I'm no "star" by anymeans, but I am known locally for my muscial talents with a variety of bands. I don't get it as I'm just me, but to some of the people that come to hear us, it's a bigger deal.

So let me try to cut to the chase here, she shows up on Saturday but I'm on stage so I really don't get too much of a chance to chat. We were done in the afternoon and I had the evening to hang out and what happens but they disappear. I'm like C'mon, really? So I text her and she quickly invites me to join them at the pizza place they are at. So I proceed to have a first date with her, her two daughters, her parents, her brother, her sister-in-law, and her best friend since kindergarten. SERIOUSLY! Okay, I mean it wasn't really a "date" but it makes for a better story that way.

She's fun, I still don't know her too well, but I don't think she checks my boxes like others, yet, I really, have a great feeling. Now, not for the future, not for like anything other than today. It amazes me how this happens. If I get a text, I'm all smiles. That doesn't happen with many of the others. Last night we were talking on the phone after everyone went to bed - they are all still out camping on a family extended weekend. The call later turned to text and then all of a sudden radio silence. I'm like Huh?????? I figured she fell asleep but even so, this AM, I'm like, did I say something? Overthinking - ALREADY.

Am I pulling all of this together that it makes sense? I hope so, because I'm still in control of myself here but it's amazing how simple it is to give others here advice but to follow it myself... that gets tougher. I was just telling Ginger this offline (since she saw pictures of her and I from the weekend on Facebook). She's in the same boat with a brand new guy. So I like it but at the same time, I really don't like it! Does that make any sense? I have a sense she went through some abuse with her ex - she's divorced for 9 years. I get a feeling she has some issues. She's not typical of someone I'd go for in many ways but still, I feel sooooooo comfortable.

Life is soooooooo weird. I really hope I portrayed this like it's in my head as I think it's such an interesting case study in life. Why do things fit with one person but not another? Why can I date 5 women and not really be excited to hear from them or excited for the next date, yet with someone else, it's all there. I guess that's why they call it chemistry! I can say, I'm much happier being able to give everyone a report like this than the same, old, same old, I just have no interest in anyone or as V put it, no one is good enough, I'd rather be on my own, etc. Of course, the real challenge is going to come after a date or two/ Let's see if I can sustain these feelings through that. At least I don't have to worry about meeting her parents. On the other hand, I'm betting she's been asked several times today already, "Have you heard from Don?"