Hunk

You just never know when....

I mentioned that I was ripping off the bandaid and hopping back into the dating pool. Flotation device of choice? eHarmony. I said I was going to be patient, given my history with the site. I didn't know that patient would mean 1 day. I got my first round of matches. I won't say I was disappointed, but nothing really jumped out at me. And then the second day, one guy in particular stood out. His face looked vaguely familiar, but his profile piqued my interest more than anything. Tall, runner, positive attitude, and cute in his pictures. At first glance, I figured it was worth at least starting the first stage of communication. (Side note- at first I thought the bazillion stages were a little cheesy, but it's actually a good way to learn interesting information about someone instead of having to first craft a witty email all on your own.)

Much to my surprise, cute runner guy responded back within the hour. And so began our day long email exchange. We completed all levels of communication in record speed, and were soon sharing lengthier and lengthier emails. In true small world fashion- it turns out that he is a part of the running group that I recently joined. He was the cute guy I noticed during my first Saturday stretch session, and according to him, he noticed me too.

The emails continued over the next couple of days, and I finally just threw out the idea of grabbing coffee. I was starting to get a little irritated that he hadn't suggested it first, and I really didn't want to continue on much longer without knowing that the connection could carry over into real life. He jumped at the idea, and we planned to grab a quick cup at a local coffee shop. I said that I had plans at 12 and would need to leave, so I didn't think it would be too much of a commitment. I was certainly looking forward to meeting him though.

So yesterday, I walk into the coffee shop and immediately spot him against the wall. My first thought? If nothing else, I would be staring at a super hot face for the next hour. He was dressed as if he belonged in a Banana Republic window, and had a freshly shaven head (you know how much I love the baldys.) He stood up, shook my hand, and met my eyes with the nicest smile. Off to a good start.

We got in line to order coffee (his treat, even though I initiated the date) and went back to our table. Four and a half hours later (way after the height of interest), I figured one of us was going to have to pull the plug and end the date, otherwise we would be there until closing. Conversation was just that good! At first it started off as just basic things. We have quite a bit in common (running, music, food, etc.), but the conversation became more meaningful at one point, and I felt like I was really getting to know him as a person. We stayed away from anything too deep, but just shared stories and talked. It was awesome.

He's 36, divorced for 3 years, no kids, good job. He's got a self-deprecating sense of humor, but also a sensitive side. He's creative, ambitious....is this all too good to be true? And the best part? He planned a second date before we said goodbye. We're going to dinner on Saturday, followed by the Christmas party for our running group. He has been a part of it for several years, so it will be nice to go with someone who knows more people than I do.

I got a really nice text from him after the date, reiterating how much he enjoyed meeting me. And today we had a few email exchanges, with the last one asking if it was Saturday yet. He's adorable. But listen to me...I'm gushing like a 12 year old. The fact is, it felt good meeting someone who I had such an immediate connection with. Whether is pans out into anything remains to be seen. But it's a start, and proof that there are certainly guys to choose from. It just takes a little patience. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to our second date when the nerves are a little less.

So, why Hunk? I texted a friend about my date and she said = Hunk, and I couldn't agree more!