Just over a month ago I made the mistake of meeting an ex for a drink. He wasn't a significant ex - we only dated briefly in 2010 - so I thought nothing of getting back in touch. This turned out to be a mistake. A funny thing happens when you reconnect with someone from your past. You can fall into an easy intimacy, if you're not careful, just out of an old familiarity. Well, I guess I wasn't careful. About a week after that, while I was still trying to sort out my feelings about him -- Do I like him, or did I just like remembering what a relationship feels like? Could there be potential here? -- Oh the moping I did! And while I was moping, I met someone.
Naim is not someone I would have emailed first, if I came across his dating profile. Not because it was bad, but because there was nothing that especially grabbed me. So when Naim emailed on a Sunday to suggest we meet, I think I only agreed because he seemed nice enough, and because I needed to get outside and stop mulling over my thoughts. I suggested we meet near my place and take my dog Winston to the park. (Yes, I was taking a cue from the romantic comedy 'Must Love Dogs'. It's smart, really -- dog antics are great conversation filler!)
My first impression of Naim was that he was handsome, with a great smile, and an adorable French accent. We talked in the park for a while, and although I can't say I really connected with him, I liked his optimism. Also, I found it fascinating to hear the perspective of someone who grew up in a part of the world so different from here. When we left the park, I didn't expect to hear from him again. But I did. Immediately! A few hours later he wanted to see a movie. I didn't feel like going out so I invited him over to watch something on Netflix. Now, a word of dating advice, if I may? Maybe watch something that makes you want to get closer on the couch. Don't do what we did and put on Braveheart for God's sake.
