One comment completely wrecked my date
Tessa’s smile drew me in, but she decided our fate long before I could
Bradley is a “mature” semi-retired business executive who lives in the east end. He says, “I’m neat and clean-cut and a casual dresser, but on a date will dress more business casual. I believe first impressions are important.” Bradley says, “People have used the word ‘integrity’ to describe my character. I’m wellmannered and friendly. Definitely a people person.” Bradley likes going to the movies; driving around the country to explore small towns; coffee shops; and running. He says, “I like looking at art, but I wouldn’t call myself a regular at the galleries. I’m more of a meat-and-potatoes sports guy.”
I’ve been single for six years and have been trying online dating. I’ve met maybe a couple of women where there’s been a spark, but for one reason or another, it hasn’t worked out. I tend to gravitate to people who smile, are happy and like to have fun.
I met Tessa on a dating site. I was drawn to her smile, and I liked that she was easy to talk to. She was also in business and seemed to enjoy her work. We had some common interests, and after a few emails back and forth, I discovered that she also likes the same sports that I do.
We met up for a coffee date, where she greeted me with a nice smile and a handshake. She was well-dressed and at- tractive, and we had a good conversation, but I didn’t “see stars” when I met her. At the end, we hugged and said we’d keep in touch. I would say that the first date was “OK.”
My friend has season tickets for a local team, and couldn’t go to a game, so I took them and asked Tessa to go with me. I thought she might like that, because she’s a fan.
I was excited about the game and I think she was as well. I picked her up at her place. She looked nice. Even though it was our second date, we were both nervous.
Tessa’s vegan, so I reached out to a couple of restaurants near the venue and found one that would suit both of us for a meal before the game. After ordering our food, Tessa made a comment that caught me completely off-guard. She looked at me and, out of nowhere, said, “Brad, I don’t see you in a romantic way.”
I had no idea that was coming. I thought we were just having a good time and getting to know each other. It instantly took the wind out of my sails and ruined the date for me — it was like it was over before it even started. The timing was awful. She could have waited until after the game to tell me, or she could have declined my invitation.
She could tell I was put off, and asked me if I still wanted to go to the game or if I’d be more comfortable going by myself. Since we had the tickets, I suggested that we both go and try to enjoy the game. I was trying to be a gentleman, but deep down I just wanted to go home.
At the game, I couldn’t hide my feelings for very long. I asked Tessa if she was enjoying herself. She said she was. I told her that I wasn’t having a good time and wanted to leave. I offered to drive her home as planned, but she said she’d get there by herself.
As we left, she walked ahead of me to the exits, at one point turning around to apologize to me for how things had turned out. After that, she disappeared into the crowd. I was so confused about the whole incident that I could not find where I parked my car!
I emailed her the next day, telling her the timing of her comment was bad and ruined my day, and that I wasn’t necessarily after romance, I was just out to enjoy her company and see a game.
Bradley rates his date (out of 10): 1 Have you ever been on a great, terrible or just crazy winter, holiday or New Year’s date? Tell us about it for the Dating Diaries! Want to be a dating diarist? Email datingdiariescontact@gmail.com.