Master-dater???

We've been talking about getting a drink for 2 weeks and finally settled on a night for our 'not-date.'  I call it a "not" date because he didn't pick me up, rather we met at a bar up the street from where we both live. Veintiséis, here's his story: he's 26, hence the name, which in turn (because I never use anyone's real name on this blog) is a rip-off of Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.  Those of my readers who aren't sports-minded, this Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver (that's NFL) changed his name LEGALLY to Ochocino, the number that he bears on his jersey.  So I found it only fitting to call my new subject Veintiséis in honor of Chad, and of this twenty-something's age. Also, it's a shout out to Herbie the Love Bug, remember that Disney classic or am I dating myself?  The little boy called Herbie "Ocho" because the number on his car -53- added up to eight!!  Back to my not-date with Veinti (for short)...


Here's the GOOD: 

• He's super cute (which I did remembered from when we met).  Great smile (which I also remembered from when we met) and smart (about technology-ish stuff). 
• He has a great voice, and laugh, that I wouldn't have remembered since our meeting becauseVeinti only texts, doesn't call.  
• I had a good time. However, I felt like there were a couple of red flags - or perhaps we should use cards like in the game of soccer (yellow cards serve as caution, while red cards usually send a player off the field) - that I just tried to shrug off - for now. 
• Veinti walked me to my car, gave me a kiss on the cheek and a gigantic hug.  That's completely acceptable to me on a first "not date", some may read that as he's not into me.  Or if I were really into him, I might be asking, "Why didn't the bugger try to kiss me?"  

Here's what NOT to do, aka why you're not a Master Dater:

• Veinti told me that 2010 has been his year to date; he's been dating a lot,but that he's "not looking for a serious relationship". I didn't say much on that because is that a defensive thing Or is that truly how he feels?
• He said he blew his last 3-week thing by "making plans."  "A guy should never start planning," he said nervously, running his hands through his hair, "and I got totally destroyed."  WAIT, this guy got destroyed in 3 weeks, no, not 3 months, but isn't looking for anything serious??? Something is not right there.
• I listened to him rant about dating, since 2010 is making him an expert ("Master Dater") on dating, or possibly what not to do. He apologized once again for the suggestive texts and said, "There comes a time when you have to break your cycle of what you keep doing, you know?"  Do guys normally aknowledge their shortcomings or behavioral bafflings?  
• I felt like he was a the girl in the situation.  But I let him pick up the tab (I mean, for his crazy rants and my having to suffer through them).  
• He wanted to come over to my house to drink wine and I say politely, "No." (hoping my eyes weren't bugging out of my head in surprise) Seriously?  He may not be looking for a serious relationship, but I'm not looking to be someone's hook up, I'm looking for more than that.   

Ah, is this a case of twenty-somethings vs. thirty-somethings. I told my friends despite the red flags (or cards) that I would be open for a second meeting, trying to stay open-minded, just to have fun and meet someone knew.  I guess time will tell. Will I get that text message?  I did mention to him in our meeting, that I prefer phone calls, we'll see if Veinti gets it.  My friends had these thoughts:

BFF: "He’s too young.  I would just look at it as something to do for the meantime."

Miss J: "It definitely sounds like it won't go anywhere because he pretty much told you on the first not date.  I wonder what happened with the 3 week situation.  3 weeks is a such a short time to be destroyed, especially now considering that most guys take their sweet ass time with dating.  I don't even get the loving to be with a girl that absolutely destroys him."


Mancation Status:  On the Beach, under the umbrella