First Impressions

March 27, 2007

We met at a speed-dating event hosted at Crabtown in Bricktown in Oklahoma City. It was a Tuesday night. I was nervous but tried to calm myself as I parked my car and headed to the restaurant. I found my assigned table, #4, and sat down. I was early, but soon a guy whose name tag said "Joseph" headed toward my table. I surmised that he was assigned to Table 4 also. Although the event had not officially begun, Joseph and I began to make conversation.

Joseph was a mustachioed, small-framed man of about 5' 6". He was dressed in neatly-pressed jeans, a red long-sleeve button-up shirt (also neatly-pressed), and loafers. He was fun and friendly as we made small-talk about our jobs, our kids, our backgrounds, what we enjoyed doing in our spare time. I learned that he was a machinist, had retired from the Navy after 20 years of being stationed in San Diego, and that he had 2 children. He learned that I was an accountant, had grown up in Georgia, and had one son, and enjoyed camping, hiking, and seeing the occasional stage-play.

Within the next day or so he began emailing me, and we had our first date two Fridays later. I met him at Santa Fe Cattle Company on the Southside, where we dined on Texas-style steaks, baked potatoes, and iced tea while getting to know each other better. Afterward we trekked to a hangout of his, The Clubhouse, a smoky poolhall not far from his home. It was a cold night, and as I recall, he let me wear his leather bomber jacket. I thought that was very gentlemanly.

After a few games of pool I had to step outside a time or two to get fresh air. It was VERY smoky in there, but what could one expect in a poolhall. Although we were having a good time at the pool table, Joe graciously offered to take me somewhere else where I might be more comfortable. His selflessness, and concern for me, impressed me.

They say first impressions are the most important. Joe's consideration and thoughtfulness made a lasting impression on me, and I continued to accept his offers for dates. We always had such a wonderful time together.

But -- he wasn't my type. I'm a CPA; he's a blue-collar worker. I'm a college-graduate; he's a military man. I'm refined; he's rough around the edges. I shop at Talbots and Macy's; he buys all his clothes from Wal Mart!

This relationship surely wouldn't go anywhere. He wouldn't quite fit in with my circle. He was just a fun guy to hang out with.