I had I date yesterday. I was kind of dreading it because I’d asked around a bit, and I was sure the guy was taken. I wondered what he wanted with me, and I wanted him to ask quickly so I could just say no and leave. It was a bit awkward at first, because I didn’t know what to say. But somehow, the ice broke, and soon we were talking like old friends. It was really cool.

And no, he isn’t taken.

We talked about some nasty stuff that happened, and I gave my usual response:

‘That’s life. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’

He frowned a little and told me I was wrong. He taught me a new phrase instead:

‘Otimre, ok ber.’

I’m sure I’ve spelt it wrong, but it roughly translates into ‘shit happens’. It means ‘it happened, but it’s not good.’

I like this phrase, because it acknowldges that what happened was not okay. It doesn’t try to philosophize or draw life lessons from it. It simply says it like it is. Shit happened.

I suppose I should tell you a little more about this guy. He had on jeans and a checked shirt, which is my favourite look on a guy. It helps that the checks were burgundy. He’s got the perfect height and build, and he’s playful and polite. I like the way he joked with the waiters, and I like that he wasn’t upset when I did the same.

Of course, I’m not sure the waiters knew that I was joking.

I like that he drank moderately, and that he held his alcohol well. After three beers, he was exactly the same as he was on Fanta. I like that. He was honest in his opinions, and wasn’t afraid to show emotion. I respect that. I like a man who doesn’t hide behind being a man.

He did something else that was endearing. As we looked at the menu, he playfully talked about the items and decided on his meal out loud. That made it easy for me, because I didn’t want to order anything too extravagant. His hint helped me pick a meal that was in the same price range as his. I don’t know if it was a deliberate strategy, but it was completely adorable, and I like him for it.

It surprised me how easily I could talk with a virtual stranger, and I like that he was so easy to be with. He laughed at my jokes, which is important to me, because I like to make people happy. It was especially important because I brought up some sad things, and I feel bad about that. I’m glad I could make him laugh and make up for it.

I felt like a lady. A boy asked me out, paid for my meal, made me happy, and didn’t ask for anything in return. He said I was great company, but he also said I was high maintenance, had large arms, and was taller than he expected. I’m not sure if those are good things, but hey, at least he likes my purple hair.

I also felt a bit awkward when he scrutinized the bill. It made me feel like I had spent too much and that I should chip in my two cents or something. But I do like the boy. He’s good fun and great company.

As it turns out, today is his last day in my neighbourhood. He’s been around for six months, and I don’t know why it took so long to meet. Turns out we might have known each other in our childhood – our grandparents were next door neighbours in the 80s. Well, my grandma and his uncle anyway. I don’t remember ever meeting this boy. There was this one kid who might have been him. He was kind of quiet and liked to whistle through his teeth. It was adorable. I don’t know if it’s the same guy, but the uncle was  a really nice man.

Anyway, the red-checkered boy is gone now. He’s on a jet plane, off to chase his dreams. I don’t know if or when I’ll see him again, or if anything could have happened between us. I just wish I’d met him long before today.

I hope you find everything you’re looking for, I hope you have a nice life, and I hope you find lots of things to warm your heart and make you smile.

Yours sincerely,

Me.