Followers

Friday 20 July 2018

More men from Round 34

The next couple of posts will be longer as I'm going to write about the rest of the guys I met during  Round 34.  Haven't been back online in a while.  Working on trying to stay positive and hopeful.  Maybe in a few weeks I'll plunge back into the wonderful world of online dating, but for now I'll work on bringing you up to speed on my adventures...good and bad. 

All the business travel and getting away for a family vacation over the last several weeks has been awesome.  We've had the best summer ever.  Many days spent relaxing by the beach with lots of time to write. 

Ok, back to the men of Round 34:

4. Another Bus Driver
He was the same age as me.  Tall with dark hair and blue eyes.  His profile was interesting.  Cooking and entertaining seemed to be a passion based on his pictures and the profile, two things I very much enjoy.  He wrote first and said he wanted to meet to talk over coffee.  He was divorced with children.  After emailing and texting for a while he suggested coffee.  We made a date to meet for coffee in the morning.  On the day of he said his daughter had been sick and they were at the hospital all night so he hadn't slept.  He'd be in touch later in the day depending on how he was feeling after taking a bath.  I probably would have just rescheduled, but Ok.

Didn't hear from him all day so I made plans to go to a friend's for dinner.  He texted wanting to meet at 7:00 pm for coffee while I was having dinner.  I didn't respond right away.  He sent another text not long after saying that obviously I didn't want to meet since I didn't respond.  Wow!  I try to be patient and understanding, but was he kidding me?  Didn't hear from him all day, but now I have to respond to him immediately???  Texted I'd be home later if he wanted to call as I was at a friend's having dinner since I didn't hear from him all day.  I left him a message when I got home.  He texted the following morning claiming he didn't hear the phone as he was cooking up a storm all night.  His cell had died and the charger wasn't working so he was going to run out and buy another one, he'd call later when his phone was charged.  If his phone was dead, how was he texting???  Then he texted to say he was grocery shopping and feeling a bit tired, so not sure he'd be up to talking.  This guy was sounding way too neurotic for my taste. 

We finally did talk.  It was kind of awkward and strange.  Cooking his chicken seemed to be far more important than carrying on a conversation with me.  Based on his profile we seemed to have a few things in common, but during the conversation it was very obvious a lot of what he wrote was just filler.  He admitted women friends he had met on POF helped him write the profile and told him what women look for.  Are you kidding me?  He'd been on for almost a year and still hadn't met anyone in person because he claimed he was being cautious.  I think paranoid would be a far better adjective to use.  He has a few email friends on POF, but won't text either because he won't give out his cell number.  I guess I should feel honoured since he texted me.  OMG it was hard not to laugh.  Done, NEXT!  Funny that I've read many men's profiles that say women seem adverse to meeting,  but men can be just as bad if not worse.

5. Mr. Classy - not
The introductory email captivated me, he was a great writer.  His profile was also extremely well written and longer than average.  Most of our interests were the same.  His profile pictures were private, but he attached them to the email.

He was slightly older, tall at 6'2, had dark hair and dark eyes.  His status was divorced and he had children.  He was an engineer and had travelled extensively.  His parents were from Lebanon and France and family was important to him.  We emailed and then quickly moved to texting and talking.  I was away on business again, but we spoke daily and he was very anxious to meet.  He offered to drive up to Montreal to take me out for dinner, but it didn't work with my schedule.  I was impressed.  The following week we were both busy then after that we were both travelling to visit family.  When we got back we finally arranged to meet.  Funny to meet someone with an equally crazy work and travel schedule.

We met for coffee.  I was pleasantly surprised.  He looked like his pictures and he said he was also thrilled that I looked identical to mine.  Several of the women he had met were far larger, looked older or didn't look anything like their profile pictures.  We had a long conversation and laughed.  It felt like we'd known each other for a long time.  Eventually he suggested going for a drive and we wound up at the beach.  We walked along the beach and had a great conversation touching on various topics.  It was a beautiful night with a gorgeous sunset.  One thing let to another, then all of a sudden he became violent.  I was caught completely off guard and wasn't sure what to do.  Everything had been going well up to that point, I never saw this coming.  It seemed like he couldn't get an erection and this made him even more angry.  He was rude and got very rough.  I tried to calm him down while trying to remain composed.  I was scared.  I felt trapped, like I couldn't get away and if I tried anything he'd hurt me even more.  Finally he stopped and let me go.  His eyes looked glazed over, like he was in another world.  He walked away so I quickly got myself together and left.

This guy seemed so normal and nice.  A total Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde.  We'd been talking for weeks and there was no indication or signs to predict he'd behave this way.  He was always polite and gentlemanly.  Things could've been far worse.  I can completely understand how a woman would stop fighting for fear of being hurt more or killed.  Fear can paralyze you.  There was no one around to help.  I went home and cried.  It was a while before I was able to tell a friend what had happened.  He was so angry with me.  He wanted to know who this guy was and where he lived, he'd go pay him a visit and have a chat.  Yeah right, I didn't think that would help.  When I went online, his profile and all the emails had been deleted.  All traces of him were gone.  I had his personal email, but what's the point?  Even the cell number had the voice message changed.  Chances are this wasn't the first time he'd done this.  Great at being charming, but all the while a ruthless predator in disguise.  It's easy to delete a profile and email accounts.  Best to move on and forget about this.  Huge lesson learned.  Be very cautious, don't assume or take anything for granted.  Many good actors out there, this one deserves an academy award.  Sad that people are so deceptive and behave this way.  Maybe I'm still way too naïve and trusting.  My friend told me I had to implement a 5 date rule, no sex until then.  If a guy was truly interested and respectful, he'd wait.  If not his true colours would show and he'd bail revealing his true intentions.  Anyone looking for a relationship should be willing to put in the effort to get to know someone before having sex.  I think he might be right.  Yes guys want sex, but if they truly care and want to build a relationship they shouldn't be in a rush.

6. Mr. Retired
He was older and honestly, I wasn't interested.  His emails were polite and that's what kept my attention.  I told myself to be open minded and not allow past experiences to cloud my judgement.  For his age, he was in great shape and liked to travel.  He had just retired from teaching, was divorced and didn't have any children.  He came from a large family and said he didn't have any issues with kids.  Being a teacher I figured kids would not be a problem and family seemed to be important to him.

After talking for a bit he suggested coffee on Thursday night.  Wednesday night arrived and he sent several texts asking me to confirm and wondering what time I'd be there because he wouldn't go if I wasn't there.  The texts continued then he said he was there and didn't appreciate being stood up.  WTF?  He was calling, but I didn't answer because I didn't recognize the number.  It didn't match the one he had given me.  I texted to remind him our date was on Thursday, today was only Wednesday. 

He called again from yet another number and was annoyed.  I didn't have the wrong day, he did.  Now he wanted to meet tonight since he was already there and said that he'd wait for me.  No, I had plans and had to drive my kids to dance class.  He called back a while later and said it wouldn't work for us because he's not a family man, but if  I wanted a coffee buddy he'd be available.  What?  We had discussed in detail that I had kids and they all lived with me.  So much for not having a problem with kids.  I wished him luck with his search, no thanks I don't need a coffee buddy.

Are these guys for real?  Is it just me?  OMG, this is too much.

Interestingly enough during this round two gentlemen with physical disabilities contacted me.  I politely declined.  I admire their strength and determination.  We all want to be loved and deserve happiness.  As horrible and shallow as I might appear, I know my limits.  My life is busy enough with work and my kids, I can't take on more responsibility no matter how independent they claim to be.  One continued to write and insisted all would be fine if I was willing to put in the effort.  This has absolutely nothing to do with me being willing to put in the effort.  Dammit, read my blog!  If I'm not the poster child for perseverance and being a sucker for punishment, I don't know who is.  I quickly pointed out that my home is not wheelchair accessible, nor is my vehicle so I have a hard time believing there would be no issues.  I'm not going to leave my kids alone all of the time to accommodate him.  Not to mention he tells me that his ex-wife and her new husband along with their 3 kids all live together in the same house as this is what works for them.  Really?  Holy shit, are you kidding me?  Guess what...that totally doesn't work for me!  Good grief, just when you think you've heard it all.

Apart from these, more emails soliciting sex and men claiming to be looking for a relationship when all they seem to want to do is sext and have phone sex.  Grow up boys!

Ok, enough for this one.  Stay tuned for the continuing saga.
Dateless in Ottawa

Thursday 12 July 2018

Online dating - What do men want?

Round 34 went very badly and this trend continued. You'll have to keep reading my posts to get all the details. I guess you could say I'm still licking my wounds and unable to write about them. I'll need a bit of time to gather my thoughts and stop trying to find answers to the famous question "why"?

Thankfully I was off on another business trip with some close colleagues.  Just what I needed to get my mind off of online dating. My co-workers and colleagues know my situation and they often avoid asking personal questions or talking about their relationships fearing they'll upset or hurt me. They have great admiration and respect for my strength, courage and determination.  They don't understand how I juggle being a single Mom of 4, a crazy busy job that has me travelling regularly and the fact that I'm always there to help no matter who's asking or what needs to be done whether at work or home.

Aside from my kids and family, having such a diverse and loyal group of friends is what gives me the strength to forge ahead and remain determined. There are times when I should probably give-up, but I won't allow myself to.  Often times I too wonder how I do it, best not to think about it too much or I'll stress myself out.  I see others with far less responsibilities that can't cope.

My Aunt came to stay with my kids while I was away on business for two weeks. She called me 3 days in and asked, "How do you do it? And I'm not even working part-time, let alone full-time with all the overtime you work!  Child, this is insane.  How do you keep track of everything.  The kids are all over with their activities and school, play dates, appointments... When do you have time to clean the house and pay the bills?  You can't maintain this pace.  How do you manage to get everything done?  What about time for you?  We have to sit down and have a serious talk when you get back."

"Auntie, I don't have a choice.  It is how it is. This is my normal...our normal.  If I don't do it, who will?  There's no time to think, I just get things done.  The children are mine and my responsibility. Sports are important, I won't have them sitting in front of the TV or playing video games for hours on end.  They need to get out, move and socialize.  Living on one income is a challenge, but I make it work.  Overtime and travel help so that the kids can do their activities and we can take a holiday every year.  They only do one activity each, unfortunately not all on the same night (although for me that's a very good thing!).  It's not mine or their fault that I ended up widowed and alone. Working long hours means being away from the kids more, but as they get older they can take on more responsibility and help me out.  In the end, as hard as it can be, it's better for all of us."

Everyone worries about me and frankly there are days when I'm terrified.  My "work husband" as I call him, since we've been travelling together for most of the last 5 months often checks up on me.  We were in the middle of a two hour commute during our business trip so it was the perfect time for one of our frank conversations.

Him: "So, how are you doing?"
Me: "I'm good, thanks."
Him: "No, honestly? You're looking a bit down and tired. What's going on?"
Me: "Shit happens.  I do the best I can and adjust."
Him: "Ok, what's going on? Can I be blunt?"
Me: "You always are, be my guest."
Him: "Are you trying to date?  I know it's hard with all the travelling we've been doing lately, but I hate seeing you alone. You're an amazing woman with so much to offer.  Do you not want to be in a relationship?  Are you looking?  Is it something else???  Have you checked out online dating? What about a FWB?"
Me: I burst out laughing.
Him: "What's so funny?  You don't want to date?  Just tell me to f--- off if you don't want to talk."
Me: "OMG You have no idea. Yes I'm lonely and trying to date.  Oh the stories I could tell you about online dating. I wouldn't know where to start. I don't know what to do. I feel so rusty and out of touch. Most of the guys are dishonest and a lot of them are married. Then there's others where you seem to have a great connection, you talk, text, email and go out several times and poof...he vanishes never to be heard from again. The whole FWB things doesn't interest me. Someone always gets hurt and when that's going on you're not really looking or emotionally available. If all you want is sex maybe, but definitely not a long-term solution."
Him: "Sorry, I don't mean to pry or be rude, tell me to shut up if I'm getting too personal. Just know that I'm here.  If nothing else, I can give you the male perspective. I may be married, but have several guy friends and I am a man afterall. Lord knows I've been around the block way too many times! Lol Agreed, the FWB wouldn't be a good fit for you and yes one person always seems to get attached and hurt which isn't good."
Me: "I appreciate the advice, thanks for caring."
Him: "You know I care about you and hold you in high esteem. I'm sorry you're going through this, life really sucks sometimes. You deserve better. Sadly, truth be told men are pigs. At the end of the day we're very simple creatures. We are over analyzed for no good reason.  What do men want? SEX!"
Me: "And we go about that how? Don't forget I'm the single Mom so no, I won't be bringing guys home every night. I've been out with a few guys. Chemistry seemed to be there, great conversations, common interests and the list goes on and on. They initiate the dates, choose the locations, we talk often and make plans for weeks at a time and then nothing. Suddenly all communication stops cold turkey. Obviously I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe something happened. Then I go check the dating site and he's either deleted his profile or he's back online, but doesn't respond to my texts or voice messages.  What the hell?"
Him: "Did you sleep with him?"
Me: "No."
Him: "Well, there you go!"
Me: "Bullshit!  You know what?  I probably would've and truth be told I wanted to, but when you're meeting for dinner or drinks at a restaurant or the casino, where was I supposed to have sex on the bar?  We always met up and went in separate cars."
Him: "Go back to his place or yours, get a hotel, the car...?  Geez woman be creative! "
Me: "Shouldn't someone ask?  Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but I believe the guy should make the first move.  If I'm agreeing to go out with you, talking to you regularly and making plans weeks in advance...Hello????  I'm obviously interested."
Him: "That's not good enough.  And why does the guy have to initiate?"
Me: "He doesn't always, I'll gladly take a step, I think kissing on the first date is a pretty sure sign I'm comfortable and then agreeing to see him over and over again...duh!"
Him: "Keep in mind chances are he's seeing several different women at once. First come, first served Baby!"
Me: "I get that, but if you don't feel it, change your mind or meet someone else be an adult and say so.  Is it that difficult to be honest?  Dammit we've been communicating and getting to know each other for a couple of weeks or months, if you weren't interested why waste your time?  If he wanted sex why didn't he say so?  Worst I could say is no."
Him: "Would you have sex on the first date?"
Me: "Typically, no."
Him: "Wrong answer, that's you're problem."
Me: "So I should plan for sex before every date?  I don't think so."
Him: "So you'd never have sex on a first date?"
Me: "If it felt right and I was comfortable, yes."
Him: "Not according to your answer. And why wouldn't you?  Wait!!! Let me guess... you don't want him to think you do this all the time or that you're a slut?  Right?"
Me: "To a point."
Him: "You're too predictable, probably went to Catholic school didn't you?  See, that's the problem. Who cares what other people think of you?  At our age we are who we are, take it or leave it. Who is anyone to judge you?  Remember, he's having sex too.  Does he care what you think of him? Probably not."
Me: "It's not that easy."
Him: "You're making it complicated."
Me: "Listen, I've been in situations where a guy couldn't take no for an answer. Men are in a far better position than women.  Do I like sex, absolutely. It's probably what I miss most about being in a relationship.  Everything else I can pretty much do on my own.  It has to feel right or I just can't. Initiating for me is hard.  With the right person it won't be a problem.  Just feeling so rusty and out of practice that it's scary.  What if I suck and the sex is bad?"
Him: "OMG girl, a guy gets off and everything is good with the world.  I don't think you need to worry too much about whether or not you're good.  Practice makes perfect. You'll get there, but don't limit yourself.  Be open minded. F--- all those ridiculous rules from the 1950's. Wipe them from your memory and live a little.  If it feels right, go for it.  Don't create unnecessary boundaries.  Yes, it's scary and there are creeps out there.  You need to be safe and smart.  I totally understand women have to be careful, but keep in mind where there's a will, there's a way.  Just because you have kids doesn't mean you can't have fun.  If you want it, go for it dammit! A woman initiating is a huge turn on for a guy.  If he doesn't like it, f--- him he's not for you."
Me: "Easier said than done."
Him: "Men don't need an emotional attachment to have sex. Women think differently and that's the problem.  You over think.  Just because you're seeing someone for a few weeks or a month, doesn't mean he's going to be around forever. You're single, enjoy and when you meet the right one you'll know. You have to learn how to play the game.  Date, date and keep on dating.  Don't stop meeting other people or going out because you're talking to someone and it "might" develop into something.   Be realistic. Sadly it is the way it is.  The world has changed.  Maybe not for the better, but you need to accept that. I want to see you happy and loved. You deserve it, so stop creating barriers that don't exist."
Me: "Yes, Dad!"
Him: "As a matter of fact I almost could be your Dad so listen to me.  I've been around the block way too many times to count and I've seen it all, so trust me kid.  I've been one of those jerks too and learned to smarten up.  If you need to talk, I'm here anytime.  Be prepared, I'll kick your ass and be brutally honest.  You're awesome, don't know how you do it and make it look so damn easy.  Your kids are and will be fine.  Now it's time to take care of you and be happy.  Be patient, it will happen."

Is he right?  Maybe. Some food for thought. He's an IT wiz.  Maybe he can reprogram my brain and erase all those crazy outdated rules at the same time! Lol

I can't disagree with the part about creating unnecessary boundaries or limitations while throwing out the antiquated dating rules.  Who knows, it's all a game and I have to learn to play along while remaining strategic and most importantly, staying safe.  Sounds easy, but it's not. 

Any thoughts?   You're advice, suggestions and stories are always welcome. Good luck!
Dateless in Ottawa