dating

All about dating. First dates, three years into a relationship, Tinder, and more.

Monday Night
She had finished reading the biography of a famous artist by a fellow who had worked for the artist, and mostly she had liked the book, but at times she thought the writer was too pleased with himself. Perhaps, that was just a by-product of being too close to your subject. She didn’t know, but she sensed that in many ways the book was a love letter to the artist in a way even the writer didn’t understand. The end feeling for her about the writer was that he was too proud of himself without a certain kind of love to be involved. Deep love like that of a mother or lover that never leaves, even when they leave you.
By E. Jordan6 years ago in Humans
Delight Guaranteed
“So you found my letter...and then what? How did you find me?” “It was the conversation you wrote about, with your grandmother, the sex therapist? Only one in town.”
By Oohna Aileen Hwyl6 years ago in Humans
Flying Dragon Tulips
Her piercing blue eyes stared intensely as she let out a resigned sigh. A flash of stinging pain, she winces, her eyes glistening as they fill with tears. "I hate plucking my eyebrows." she says, "Almost as much as I hate first dates." The big black cat who was curled up on the bed next to her meowed in response. She turned away from the vanity to scratch him on the head. "No Taco, I don't know how I got talked into this." she told him. She sighed again, because that wasn't entirely true. She had worked with Ian for a few years at the coffee shop already. They shared a love of books, movies, animals, and snacks. They had a similar sense of humor, sharing a lot of inside jokes at work. That's what lead to her coworker and best friend Erin to suggest them going on a date. She was content with how things were, she considered Ian a really good friend and after her last troublesome relationship ended life was finally calm. Erin persisted however dropping hints to Ian who eventually picked them up leading to this kind of awkward first date. Erin meant well but sometimes she should learn to mind her own business. Ian was sweet, he wouldn't have called this off no matter how awkward and uncomfortable it was so neither would she. Awkward that's the best way to describe a first date. You can have great chemistry with someone, joke and chat all day but as soon as you slap it with the date label it becomes difficult to find anything to talk about. She just hoped the awkwardness would disappear when the date was over so work could still be fun. The sound of the door bell ringing pulled her from her thoughts. She sighed, that would be Ian. She grabbed her purse and gave Taco a loving scratch before heading into the hallway to answer the door. One last look in the hall mirror to make sure she was presentable. Rule one of a first date, your outfit needs to be flawlessly attractive, comfortable and have the ability to function in any situation. For this purpose she chose a dark blue knit tank top, black high waisted shorts and a pair of black TOMs kala wedge booties. Some sapphire earrings and silver bangles polish off the look. Her makeup was simple and natural some concealer, mascara, and rose pink lip gloss. She checked her teeth and grimaced, she should not have had a glass of merlot while getting a pep talk form Erin last night. Three brushing sessions and a whitening strip later she could still see a slight stain on her teeth. She usually didn’t drink but Erin had convinced her that it would help settle her nerves about the date. Oh well, nothing to be done about it now, she moved to the door. She took one last deep breath. Turned the handle and pulled the door open. “Hey Grace!” Ian smiled warmly. His demeanor immediately put her at ease. “Hey” she replied “you look nice”. She realized she hadn’t actually looked at what he was wearing so she took a quick glance. He was in jeans, an army green button down shirt and Vans. He did look nice. “Thanks” he said “you look really nice to!”. “Thank you” she replied. “Oh! I brought you some flowers.” Ian held up a little basket with potted tulips in it. She was surprised. “That’s really sweet of you.” she said as she took the basket. “Yeah, I remembered you said you liked potted plants cuz they don’t die and tulips are your favorites.” He said “ I also brought a little toy for your cat”. He handed her a little cat toy fish taco. “Aww cute, he’ll like that. Thanks!” She giggled “ His name is taco so it’s a perfect toy for him”. “I know” Ian remarked “ you talk a lot about your cat at work”. There was an awkward silence. “Anyway” he continued “ you’re supposed to fill it with cat nip”. “Ok, I’ll give it to him later.” she placed the basket and toy on the table under the hallway mirror, “are you ready to go?”. “Definitely!” He replied. She locked the door and pulled it shut behind her. They walked down the pathway towards Ian’s car. Grace could feel her hands become sweaty, her anxiety was returning. Ian opened the passenger door for her. She got in and he shut it for her. He got into the driver’s seat and smiled at her. She smiled back. They started driving to the movie theater. The drive was filled with silence just like how she’d dreaded. Every time she thought of something to say it got caught in her throat. At least at the movies you don’t need worry about holding a conversation. She hoped the cool theater would help relieve her sweaty palms as well. They got to the cinema, after reviewing the list of movies they decided on a comedy. As Ian got the tickets, Grace bought a large popcorn, two sodas and some candy. The movie was a welcome distraction from the nervousness of the date. After the movie Ian asked if she wanted to go back to his place to play video games and order pizza. Now that she was more at ease it sounded like fun so she agreed. Ian’s place was a quaint little home, fairly clean. They played a few games of Super Smash bros before the pizza arrived. They were on a second slice each when Ian started acting anxious. “Do you want to see my dragon?” He asked excitedly. Grace was so surprised by the question, with her mouth still full of pizza she answered “sure.” Immediately she rethought her answer, considering it could be a euphemism for something else. She grimaced, oh well if things took a creepy turn she was prepared with pepper spray in her purse. Besides as far fetched as the possibility of a real dragon was there was still a slim chance and for her that was good enough. She cautiously followed him into the back garden. There in all it’s mighty glory stood a ten foot silver dragon. She was absolutely gobsmacked. Ian offered to take her for a fly. They climbed onto the dragons back and off it flew into the sky. The dragon flew higher and higher into the clouds. The clouds felt like cool mist against her face. The sun was setting which gave the clouds and sky a beautiful purple glow. They flew around until the sky turned dark and the stars came out. Then Ian took her home and the surprisingly magical date was over. She gave him a peck on the cheek and hurried into the house. She rushed up the stairs and jumped on her bed. Taco had moved to a more comfortable position on a pillow. She reached over to scratch his head. “You aren’t going to believe this” she said. She didn’t quite believe it herself.
By TJ Ferry6 years ago in Humans
Night Train
Putrefied. Enough to burn the eyes and inflict a gag reflex. The fluid flowing from the infected tract is more chemical than urine. It Could be Heroin. It Could be Meth. It Could be a lifelong alcoholic who hasn't drunk water in over a year. One thing is for sure; toilets in the drunk tank rarely work. Hello, I'm Cupid, and my quiver has more variety than Hawkeye. Yesterday evening I pulled a mischievous arrow out of my quiver—an arrow that brought joy to my heart and laughter to my belly. Most of the time, the first date goes well. But now and then.
By EleanorRoy6 years ago in Humans
To The Wine Snob
To The Editor: Please understand it is not my intention to bother you. I'm sure you're a very busy man or woman. But if you've ever loved and lost, I hope you can find it in yourself to understand.
By Kat Noland6 years ago in Humans
Dream Date
I once met a boy who broke my heart. Three years have gone by since the last time I tasted the sweet taste of a long island iced tea on his tongue. He enters my mind every now and then whenever I feel lonely. I picture us running into each other at a museum or a cafe, maybe on an island getaway. I picture him confessing his love and telling me that I’m all he’s thought about after all these years. But realistically no one has ever fallen for a girl like me, a girl so broken with nothing but conflicting emotions. Yes, I’m emotionally unstable, I have a list of acronyms of disorders that haunt me every day. I picture love so intently because I know it’s never going to be something attainable for me.
By Jennifer Perez6 years ago in Humans
One Bottle
“You’re going on that date tonight, aren’t you?" Mallory’s face lit up. “Yeah,” she said, placing her phone down on her vanity. “I’m getting ready for it right now, actually.”
By Emily Massengale6 years ago in Humans
Safe Word
As soon as I arrived at the wine bar, I instantly regret agreeing to this blind date. I don’t know why my older sister, Alyssa, keeps trying to set me up on these things; I’m perfectly content on my own. Extroverts never seem to understand.
By Mari Zurez6 years ago in Humans
Time to Breathe
It was a warm summer evening in Coronado. The gentle breeze brought the fresh sea air past the beach and into downtown. A man and his date were exiting the Village Theater and chatting about the movie that they had just seen. The man had chosen the theater for its intimacy and retro vibe. The inside of the theater was adorned with heavy drapes and intricate wooden carvings which added to the experience. The woman had clearly enjoyed the venue. It was the couple’s first official date.
By Brenda Johnson6 years ago in Humans
Painting a la Bordeaux
I rub my sweaty palms against the side of my pants as I open the clear glass door. Soft music and chatter surround me, increasing my anxiety up a notch. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came in, but it was not this. How long has it been since I’ve been on a date? “You’ll die alone at this point.” I shake my head as my friend’s taunts ring through my ears. “Just leave it to us. We will set it all up and I promise you’ll have a good time.” Right, because standing here awkwardly is a good time. A couple comes in and give me a side eye as they walk past and grab an apron, she nudges him playfully and points to an empty space by the window. I should probably do the same, no point in just standing around. I catch a young lady’s stare as I pick a table close by and sit down. I’m suddenly very aware that I am the only person by themselves in the studio and I pray I don’t sound like a dumb ass as she approaches me. “Hi there, I’m Alyson and I’ll be your instructor slash host today! Are you here for our couple’s class?” she gives a quick glance around the room. “Um yeah” I clear my throat at her blank stare, trying to pretend I paused on purpose. “I’m waiting for my date still. She’s just running a little late.” Jesus Crist speak English man! She gives me a small sympathetic smile. “That’s cool class won’t start for another 30 minutes. Do you want to look at our wine chart while you wait?” I nod grateful for a distraction and watch her walk back to her podium before returning with 2 wooden charts. “Everything you need for the class is set up in front of you. As for the wines I highly recommend the zinfandel, my favorite, but we have a variety of choices. Since you’re new here I’ll run the chart over real quick. We have three wine categories: Moscato’s, Reds, and Whites. Each wine has a description beside it, and we can guide you to a wine that fits your personality if you need it. I’ll give you some time to look it over and let me know when you’ve found the one.” She gives me a small pat and a wink before walking away to greet a couple at a different table. I notice the zinfandel she mentioned: Full bodied, spicy, and bold! As expected of an art instructor, but definitely not for me.
By Magdaleno Jaimes6 years ago in Humans
A False Sort of Adoration
His hair is like night itself, I half expect to see stars appear though the longer I stare the more their absence is felt. It’s odd, this position I now find myself in. To be on a date with someone I already love, someone I’ve pined for, prayed spirited words to unknown forces, all hoping that we would someday meet. It’s interesting, how I put you on this throne, possibly undeserved, time will tell, I tell myself, through the course of our time spent I’ll know. It’s a crowded place, where my dreams yearn to place you, there are other contenders but you’re the only one I have met in person, so you see, you’ve cut out the other competition. They exist in the shadows while you glisten with my adoration at the center of it all. It exists next to the monument of you, the placeholder I gave you until now, where we finally meet and I can forge my own memories of a version of you I’ll get to know.
By Alice Monstera6 years ago in Humans
Breaking the Curse
I wish I could say that dating came easy – but that would be a lie. Everyone experiences the nerves. The night before, you obsess over your outfit and go over the details a hundred times in your head. Location, check. Time, check. Attractive outfit that he will think about after he drops you off, double check. The day of the date, you check your phone, hoping there isn’t a missed call (or worse, text) asking for a rain check. By the time you’re dressed and checking your reflection for the millionth time, you’re convinced your apartment’s AC is broken and your mascara is running. Your date picks you up for dinner, you make small talk at the restaurant and then never see each other again.
By Brittany Horton6 years ago in Humans