I’ve just returned from a very poor dating experience. We met tonight at 6ish and instantly thought – Nah, this ain’t gonna happen. But, trying to be my kind self, and not wanting to judge a book by its cover, I decided to give it a chance. After all, he’s a photographer and into hiking, so we have some things in common which should make for interesting discussion, if nothing else, right?
Wrong. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so awkward and bored during a date. Usually, I can entertain myself by talking about me, that’s a subject that just never bores me, but even that wasn’t a prospect I felt like exploring. All I could think about was my fabulous comfy sofa, my big TV and what movie I might watch while having dinner… At Home!
Now, I wasn’t looking at my watch, but I was keeping an eye on the clock tower just across from us and couldn’t figure out how anyone could drink sooooo slowly. At first, I thought of texting my housemate and get her to ring me with an excuse for me to get out of there, but I didn’t find any opportunity to do it without him noticing. I also wanted to wait until he finished his drink to make my excuses, so we could leave together, but it just wasn’t coming fast enough and, when the clock’s long hand starting going backward, I felt it was my clue to take charge of the evening.
The large clock had just about reached 7 O’clock and I’d just given him an hour of my life. That … was … plenty. I leaned over, he copied me, and I said “Can I be honest?”... and without waiting for a response I added “I think I’m gonna go home.” I did feel sorry for him as his face fell. “I’m sorry, I added, but I think it’s best.” He started talking again – bringing up the fact that I was a little late - as if I hadn’t said anything. I gave him a second, then, after thanking him for coming to meet me, just said “I’m gonna go now. Bye.” And I left, leaving him behind, shell shocked with his half full drink.
Was that really bad? Should I have let him carry on? I’m not saying I’m better than him in any way, but he just wasn’t for me. And I much prefer letting him know straight away. That’s better than not turning up at all because, as you get to your date, you don’t like the look of someone… (Which happened to me on Sunday, by the way.) Or is it? Which of the two are the least painful, the least hurtful and the most respectful? When it comes to hurting someone’s feelings, rejection is right up there. So how do you do it without feeling like an evil bitch?
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