But no, it certainly wasn't Saturday's lunch date that made it so.
He was...a bit boring. No, he didn't order the sweet-and-sour. And no, he didn't have stubby fingers. He ordered "chicken" with broccoli, took one or two bites, excused himself to go the the restroom and didn't eat any more. He commented positively after the couple of bites he did take (and he did an eggroll for an appetizer), so I'm not sure what that was about. I asked at one point if it was not to his liking, and he said something about NOT being nervous but suddenly having no appetite. Weird.
Other than than, he was just a bit...staid, I guess. Terribly earnest and seemingly a bit humorless. He kept making these "statements" about himself that I presume he makes on all first dates. I really prefer just to let the conversation flow and see what comes out that way, but he was all "Liz, I have something that I need to tell you about myself." Very ponderous, and I'm thinking he's on the sex offender registry or something, but all that followed was a pronouncement that he's looking for a long-term relationship, and doesn't like one-night stands. Oh, thanks for telling me. I was getting ready to invite you back to my place for a quickie.
He used my name a lot...in that way that you're taught to do in seminars and self-help books, and I really don't like that. It seems so transparent to me. We're the only two people at the table; I don't need you to keep referencing my name. I know you're talking to me.
The date lasted about an hour, we did a quick, awkward hug in the parking lot, and there was a mutual exchange of "nice to meet you" but no follow-up "let's do this again sometime."
So, you're thinking, what made the weekend interesting? Clearly it wasn't this fellow.
Well...Saturday morning I had an email from Hot Med's sister-in-law. Apparently all hell broke loose in Med Land after I left it. Sis, who I knew had some clinical depression problems, and had recently gone on a new medication, apparently is full-on bipolar, and had a major, major breakdown, which included a screaming fit in Starbucks, wherein she accused Hot Bro and SIL of keeping her in the country against her will, trying to control her, etc. Sounds like pretty ugly stuff. (And, as Hot Bro said, "so embarrassing." I'm guessing it was in Arabic, too, so they're probably lucky someone didn't call homeland security. Heh.)
She sold some gold jewelry, got enough for plane tickets, and was packed up and off to Lebanon with her son in the course of a few hours.
Not only that, SIL said, but she's convinced Hot Med to get his passport and visa in order and follow her shortly.
Wowza.
Well, about ten minutes after my date with Mr. Earnest ended, I got a phone call. It was Hot Bro, saying Hot Med was being all dramatic and wanted to see me to "say goodbye," and would I mind seeing him, and perhaps trying to reason with him a bit? (They're convinced that Sis's mania-fueled hysterics and manipulations are influencing him too much.)
So I did. I know, I know.
I spent a couple of hours with him that afternoon, and by the time I left he was all "well, maybe I'll go, and maybe I won't. Or maybe I'll just go for a visit."
I have no idea what will happen long-term, but I saw him again yesterday--he came with me to the block party singing gig I had in the afternoon. Hot Bro and SIL came, as well. We all had a nice time--Hot Med was on his best behavior, being all sweet and charming. I don't know that I would say we're "on again," exactly, but apparently we're not so "off again" as I thought.
At least he isn't boring. He is spoiled, and suffering from major "Peter Pan" syndrome, as is his sister, but...he isn't boring. Heh.
The saddest part of the whole thing is the little boy. He was really enjoying his life here--had his little plastic pumpkin ready for trick-or-treating, and not one but two costumes prepared. He was singing with a boys' choir, and excited to wear a special outfit in their Christmas concert. He was learning to roller blade. He was learning a little discipline (though not from his mother). Hot Bro is hoping that they can bring him back here at some point to continue his education, but for now they're just very sad about the whole thing.
So, that was my weekend. How was yours?
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10 comments:
Uhm, wow. You said on facebook that your weekend had been interesting. You certainly did not disappoint! I feel so sad for the little boy - how awful for him on so many levels.
Why does life have to be so hard sometimes? Sigh.
So as far as Hot Med, do you think you're interested in trying to work things out with him if he stays or are you still trying to figure that out?
P.S. That date sounds kind of dreadful. I can't stand when people use my name every single time they say something to me either.
Ugh. I've been thinking off and on about going back online. And then I remember dates like that. No thank you.
As for Hot Med... Well, I guess I'll just stop trying to guess what's happening there. :-) Have fun.
My weekend? It was excellent. That is, until the food poisoning yesterday. That was not-so-awesome. Ugh.
It is sad for the little boy. Hopefully his mother will take care of herself and won't hurt him in the process, by ricochet. As for HM, oh well, enjoy! ;-)
That's sad about the little boy. Interesting that you and Hot Med are not-on-not-off. :-)
The using the first name thing - Definitely annoying. Really, in a comfortable situation, you really almost never have to use the person's first name. Seriously. Hubby almost never addresses me by name in a discussion like that, nor do my coworkers, friends...Anyone.
Well, we spent last evening together, as well. I'm guessing it's more "on" than "off" at this point. Heh.
3c, as children we were convinced my father didn't even know how to pronounce my mother's first name, so rarely did we hear him say it. It got to be a big joke. Us: "Say her name, say her name." Him: "Her name." Giggles.
I have to tell you that I'm sorry to hear your Saturday date didn't work out, Liz.
As for Hot Med, I am confused. But as long as you're having more fun with him than without, then why not?
Wait, so you ARE with Hot Med? I think we need a chronology or a time line here to keep up. ;)
Glad you're keeping things interesting around the internet for us, Liz!
I am so behind on blogs so I know Hot Sis is back now. Thank goodness!
When I used to take escalated calls, my boss said he could always tell when the person had really ticked me off because I would say their name every time I addressed them. So to me, the idea that he kept saying your name makes me think that he was annoyed with you for some reason. I know that's probably not the case but that's my association. And that would make me annoyed in return!
my was sonny
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