You
only have one chance to make a first impression. Make it a good one.
I
was recently introduced to a gentleman by a friend. The three of us were riding
metro, she introduced me and they chatted for a while. He showed us cell phone pictures
that he’d taken in New York at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and I engaged him
in light banter.
We
depart the train at the same station, exchange “it was a pleasure to meet you”,
and went our separate ways.
I
immediately went in to social research mode (getting the 411) regarding his
situation. “He’s a very nice guy, divorced, good job, nice home…” Sounds interesting
right? So I tell her to give him my number.
Fast
forward….
He
tells my girlfriend to give me his number and I should call in the afternoon
because he has meetings in the morning. I’ll bite, since I showed the initial
interest, I’ll make the first call. Typically I wouldn’t.
I
call, he doesn’t answer, I make a mental note regarding his voice mail: where
he works, his title, how his voice sounds. About an hour later he calls, we
exchange pleasantries. I ask about his place of employment and the flood gates
open: I’m in charge of this, I’m in charge of that. I know that when we meet
new people some like to verbalize their resume, I suggest you don’t.
So
I interrupt, and ask him if he’d like to have lunch with me the following week.
And here is where it goes off in to a ditch. “Um, I don’t want you to take this
the wrong way but, I really don’t remember what you look like.” My mouth flies
open but no words come out. “But, I don’t mind meeting new friends so….” Again
I interrupt, “You don’t remember me?” Me the star, the charmer, the apple of
everyone’s eye? How is that even possible? I’m unforgettable. I guess not. “How
about I send you a picture of myself to your cell phone, if you don’t mind
sharing your number.” A little cute sarcasm, he didn’t laugh. I’m shaking my
head, and just want to hang the damn phone up at this point. “Sure, send me a
picture,” and he gives me his number. I tell him that if he doesn’t like what
he sees he can tell me that he has meeting from now to the end of next year,
and if he likes what he sees we will meet next week. I think I heard a slight
chuckle before he went in to his “I’m not looking for a relationship speech.”
He went on to tell me he is divorced, he likes his space, he doesn’t want
drama, but enjoys female companionship. Pump your brakes brother, it’s just lunch, not
a meeting at a cryogenic clinic to let your sperm and my eggs meet in
procreation bliss. When he takes a pause to take a breath I jump right in. “I’m
not looking for a husband, a baby daddy, and I don’t want your ass print on my
couch either, let’s just get through lunch.” I tell him I have to go and bid
him farewell.
Moments
later my cell phone buzzes, “Thanks for the photo. I remember you. Next week is
good for me. Noon is the best time. Feel free to call me.”
I’ll
let you know how it goes.
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