Lessons Learned and Deal Breakers

This past weekend I went on a lot of dates. At least a lot of first dates for me. I was the energizer bunny of dating…I just kept going and going, because…why not? Well. While some may argue that you never know unless you try and go out with every guy who asks you, because he may be THE ONE. If I’ve learned anything this weekend, it’s that there are so many fish in the sea and while most are great…all weren’t necessarily great for me. I’ve always thought of deal breakers as these huge bright red flags that will come slap me across the face…but there are the hidden ones, the ones that pop up mid dinner conversation and leave you wondering how soon you can get out of there and what your friends are up to. I’m also a horrible serial dater because when I meet someone I like, BOOM, I’m all about him.

This weekend though, I was a certified man-eater. Lessons learned…

1. If you have a baby, do not bring your baby on a first date. We are all adults, and some adults have children. No problem! I love kids. However, should you find yourself with custody of your 13 month old teething son over the weekend, this might not be the best time to go on a date. Even more importantly-TELL your date in advance that you are bringing your child. That way she (I) won’t be shell shocked when he is throwing plates at the waitress and terrified seeing her future flash before her eyes. It was a NIGHTMARE. My date was embarrassed, the poor baby just could not be consoled, and I could not relax.

2. FAKE IT. I had a first date with someone I had been talking to for awhile and the chemistry just wasn’t there. Sucks, but it happens. Again, we’re adults.  It wasn’t horrible, but we both knew we weren’t going to be getting naked later or ever, but we can have decent conversation and be relatively friendly, can’t we? I can. He couldn’t.

3. Take a risk. This one guy had been asking me out for awhile, and for some reason I kept denying him. I have no idea why, as he’s the most amazing guy ever. One night my plans fell through but I was all dressed up and ready to go…so I asked him out. We ended up meeting for wine, lots of wine, sparks flew, and we have been dating ever since.

4. Do not drunk tweet. I learned this lesson the hard way. I was not intending to be such a naughty little minx this weekend, and my friends were, rightfully so, surprised to wake up and read of my escapades via twitter.  This resulted in quite a few “WHAT IS GOING ON?” phone calls/texts/emails.   New life rule-after 2 drinks, put the social media away. You’re welcome.

Overall, I had fun, and I learned that sometimes saying yes is worth it. I’m taking this weekend off dating though, I need a break…probably. We’ll see.