The First Date

Last week I took that scary, scary step out of my computer box and into New York City. I met someone I've been chatting with on OkCupid. Based on his profile, he seemed to be outgoing and outspoken, perhaps even a frat boy type. I thought I might be a little too awkward and weird for him. But, we liked the same movies, and he seemed to be able to type, spell and converse intelligently. We had some nerdy talks online. I learned that he was in law school, and it was obvious that he was super-academic. He was two years younger than me, which I wasn't thrilled about, but I was willing to work with what came my way. He seemed to be a likable enough guy, and I accepted his invitation to meet in person. I suggested that we meet at a particular Starbucks--one in the middle of the city I knew would be crowded. That seemed safe.

When I met my mystery date in person, who I will from this point further refer to as Brendan because that is his name, my fears about his youth were dispelled. Because Brendan looked old. Not elderly old or weird, too old for me old, but just wow, you're an old looking 22-year-old old. I think this was in large part due to his beard. I do not like beards, and I was not happy that he had one. In none of his online pictures did he have a beard. I posted pictures of myself with long hair, short hair and in between hair because I wouldn't want a guy to meet me expecting my hair to look a certain way. I'm a girl of many hairstyles. You have to know that about me, and you really can't get attached to any particular one. If you're a guy of many forms of facial hair, I feel it's only fair that you warn me. 

All that being said, Brendan was very pleasant. And I was clearly wrong about him being the outspoken, frat boy type. He described himself as loud, but he actually seem pretty subdued. I can't say that it was love at first sight, but I would definitely meet him again. If nothing else, I think we'd make good friends. So, so far so good. Which, I guess, is better than expected.