So, a background on the site's ground rules: each party answers a series of questions that identify their personal beliefs, their preferences, goals, age, income etc. All pretty standard these days on dating sites. The system then assigns a percentile score of compatibility and on occasion presents them to each party.
My first system-presented Cupid was Mr. 98% and I was really excited! Could this be the one? I mean come on, a compatibility of 98%, that's great! It had been such a long time since I had scored a 98% on anything that I was dizzy with anticipation and I imagined that we would fall madly in love and run away to the Bahama's--I know what you're thinking-- this girl can dream big.
His profile pictures, some of which were from a distance were from his exotic travels as he wore sunglasses in many of them. OMG, he's a traveler, we would certainly be going on our honeymoon to the Bahama's after all! I could tell that he had nice hair and was slim.
He called me to set up a time and place for our first date which was a nice touch--no text messages for this gal. He suggested a South African wine bar in Hell's Kitchen which was was perfect! I had always wanted to go to this particular place and of course Mr. 98% would pick it, I mean, we were after all meant for each other.
Taking a deep breath I entered the restaurant, Mr. 98% was seated in the center of the restaurant, his hair looked as golden and curly under the track lighting as they did in his pictures! As I approached him he began to stand. All 5'4" of him. I am 5'6" and with heels perhaps I am 5'8" so believe me, by no means can I dunk or be on the WNBA. However, given our compatibility rating and the fact that I am really trying hard to work on my nasty pre-judgment habit, I sat down and gave it a chance. Plus, I have been told by some good friends that sometimes short men pack heat.
As we made our initial introductions, I couldn't help but notice that he seemed to be looking at the person behind me, so I casually turned around to grab something from my purse and saw the only thing behind me was a wall. Turning back around to continue our convo I made the realization that he was slightly cross-eyed. Hence all the pictures with sunglasses.
We talked about our upbringing, well actually, he talked about his upbringing. Detailing how over-protective his Mother had been throughout his childhood and how he had decided to travel the world to show her that he could take care of himself. I did the obligatory nod and continued with my active listening skills. His stories seemed endless and the minutes lingered like hours. My politeness radar was still working and I really wanted to stick it out but I have this condition that has haunted me since I was 17. If at any time I am not comfortable in the company of another, my stomach starts to twist and turn resulting in my feeling faint and blood literally leaves my face and I look sickly and pale.
This condition worked to my benefit in this case, Mr. 98% aka cross-eyed-traveler took notice and he asked me if I was feeling alright. I admittedly said that I was not feeling so well and told him that I would be leaving for home. He politely requested the check.
The waitress came by, check in hand and he quickly snatched it. How lovely, not only did he notice that I was not feeling well but he is enough of a gentleman to take care of the check! Maybe I had judged him and his looks too prematurely, he could be a keeper, I mean he loves his Mom and she clearly loves him-- shorty pants, cross-eyes and all. I told him how nice it was to meet him and started to get up from my chair. He quickly grabbed my hand. Is this his demonstration of a romantic gesture? Go with it, no judgements TS.... I looked down in his direction. "That'll be 38 with tax and tip" he said. OMG, how rude, I didn't even eat anything I thought, plus didn't his Mom ever tell him it's rude not to make eye contact! Oh but of course he wouldn't care about that because he's a rebel! He's a world traveler!
As I handed him $40 bucks and briskly walked out of the restaurant, I vowed never to place value on technology to make my matches and any future 98% scores.
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