A First

Several weeks ago, I decided to hold my breath and jump back into the online dating pool. I was a little reluctant at first (some of you may remember that things didn't work out so well the last time I tried this), but my policy about not dating people with whom I work combined with the number of hours that I work does make meeting new people a smidge challenging (read: impossible).

Since it seems unlikely that the Universe is going to drop Mr. Right on my doorstep wrapped in a bow, I plucked up my courage, threw together a profile, and hoped for the best.

I'm pleased to report that I have not lost my touch with Turkish men over 40; they love me! Also, insecure asshats still think that all women over 120lbs should be taken out to a pasture and shot. It's nice to know that some things never change.

The site I chose has a nifty feature that allows you to see who has viewed your profile and when and the stalker voyeur in me is completely fascinated by it; I like to click through and check out the men who've been checking me out.

As I was scrolling through the list one day, I happened upon Shy Guy. His main picture involved a pirate hat, so I simply had to click through and check out the rest of his profile. Imagine my surprise when I looked at his photos and realized that in one of them he was standing next to someone I knew.

Someone who passed away more than a year and a half ago.

I was understandably taken aback.

I knew I had to email him but I had no idea what to say. I wrote and re-wrote my introduction before finally sending off a message that started: I think my world just collapsed in on itself a little as I was looking through your pictures; I knew Xxxx too...

Hell of a conversation starter.

We got to talking via email and then the phone, and we went out for drinks (and then dinner, and coffee) on Saturday night. I can't say I was at all surprised when a song that reminded Shy Guy of Xxxx came on the jukebox; I whispered Thank you while he sang along quietly.

My friends have certainly orchestrated dates for me in the past, but I can honestly say that this is the first time anyone's ever done it from beyond the grave. Perhaps that's what was missing from all previous set-ups - none of those dates went particularly well, but this one was an unqualified success.

We had so much fun, in fact, that we decided to do it all over again and had our second date on Sunday night!

Life is strange, and serendipitous, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Comments

[Chana]

What happy news! I'm so glad you had fun. Can't wait for more details.

[Catherine]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, but wow, that is a cool story. I bet the friend would be pretty tickled :)

[Keith]

Woo hoo!

[KitchenWitch]

Color me completely unsurprised. And wonderfully inspired. :)