Megan R. has a way with the men: Part One

My sister dispenses dating advice to me via IM. One tip is to make jokes that don't involve past dating nightmares or the guy's personality.

On a fun date last week with a guy who seems really nice and interesting, we talked for two hours about all sorts of things. It was great! During one of our conversations, he revealed that, while he enjoys socializing, he prefers interacting in smaller groups rather than large ones, and we had a discussion along these lines.

Nice Guy: I don't do as well in large groups. I end up feeling like I'm pushed to the outside edges, every time.

Me: Huh. Why do you think that is?

NG: I don't know. It just always happens. Recently, I told this to a guy at a work party, and he said, "Hmmmm. You have problems in groups? Maybe you're an Aspie like me." (People with Asperger Syndrome sometimes call themselves Aspies.) I'm not, and my friend and I thought it was bizarre of him to suggest that out of nowhere.

(Enter brief side convo about the characteristics of AS and how he doesn't fit the bill.)

Me (totally joking and laughing): Yeah. Random. You should have told the guy, "No, I'm not an Aspie; I'm just a loser."

Hahahaha! I crack myself up. NG laughs a little. He definitely isn't a loser, but I couldn't resist the funny.

(Molly's comment: "Yes, its charming on the first date to call the man a loser basically!)

Later on, while sharing a sandwich, I'm attempting to eat carefully and listen to a story on travel NG is telling. I tear off a delicate little bite and, on it's way to my mouth, an olive falls out of the grilled focaccia and lands directly on top of my, um, chest. I'm wearing a scoop-necked t-shirt, so the olive is on bare skin. It just sits there. I notice. He notices. I laugh awkwardly and make a comment about how attractive this is while plucking the offending olive from my boob. Then, I proceed to dab skin with napkin and tell him "Don't mind me! Carry on with what you're saying!" NG very sweetly says that he is often a messy eater and is trying to be so careful himself.

(Molly's comment: "Olive on boob. Nice one!")

Later this week...

Exchange some emails with NG. We talk about comedians we like. He asks if I've seen a particular clip of one, and I say no, although I'm familiar with this person as Em is a big fan. In a previous message, I'd told how Em burns me CDs of comedians she likes and, while I always end up enjoying them, it takes me about six months to finally get around to listening, much to her chagrin. I don't know why.

Message from Megan R. to NG:

Hmmmm. I don't think I've seen that one. Send it to me, and I promise to watch it within six months. I'm laughing picturing me sending off an email six months from now being like, "I watched the clip. That was great!" and you being like, "Who is this person?"

Email reply from NG:

Here you go. Enjoy! Talk to you in six months!

(Molly's comment: "Ya, well you are really giving him hope that you see this working out.")

I need help.

In spite of it all, he asked me to go out again (Molly's comment: "Apparently he likes 'the treatment.'"), so we're meeting up tomorrow. Wish me luck!