First date

The other day I went on a so called 'first date'. It was quite exciting considering that I cannot remember when I went on a classical first date. The guy choose the restaurant and we met there. (I don't want a guy to know where I live neither rely on him to drive me when I don't know him well). It was a nice place and I felt the act of inviting me out for dinner was really great. It is kind the classical thing that one sees in Hollywood movies, but honestly, it hardly ever happened to me before.

Most of my dates in the past were either guys I already knew or was already dating. Those dates were also really nice, but I think there is something special about first dates with someone you hardly know but you are interested to get to know.

Firstly, it's about the question should I be first or should I be late? I think it is nicer if he is already there, but then my friend told me that she prefers to be first, so she doesn't have to look out for the person.

The first part of the conversation was a bit slow; awkward. The choice of food: Do you order a starter or not? What to eat? 

I know that ultimately one should just be oneself and behave as one always would in a restaurant...but I think everyone would like to make a good impression and even if it will be the only date with that person, one wants to be remembered as the 'nice' one.

The walk to the bathroom: you know he is going to watch you and also watch you come  back towards the table. I then feel like being on the catwalk.

After the dinner, does one order dessert?

At least I managed this time to not even take out my wallet and say anything about paying. It was difficult as I am used to at least offer and in most cases to pay actually half, but I didn't say a word (besides thank you afterwards) and I think that was the right move.

I have to say all in all, luckily the guy turned out to be also nice...so the conversation was good and fun. Generally , I have to say, it is very beautiful to go on a date. I felt like a lady and it is definitely a self-esteem boost.

DIRTY THIRTY

A friend of mine turned 30 this week and her theme for the year ‘welcome to the dirty thirty’.

Myself being almost two years into my thirties, I have to say, the thirties are really great. You are old enough to do anything you like. You also have the money and decision making power to do all the things you like AND you do have the maturity to actually NOT do all the things you could be doing.

I think it is pretty amazing. In the job world you can start relaxing. You don’t have to compete all the time and proof that YOU CAN. You have learnt that most of the things take time and a little patience and that they will eventually come right. You have cooled off your initial ‘I will save the world idealism’ but you know where and how you can make a difference around you.

You are able to tell your family when you need your time off but at the same time you appreciate having a family and you accept that nobody is perfect – including your parents.

Ok, I won’t comment on the relationship things because I’m still single and most of my other friends are married. Maybe I can make a comment for a single lady in her thirties; it’s awesome. I can just re-phrase what I said above - 'You are old enough to do anything you like. You can try all the things you would like to AND you do have the maturity to actually NOT do all the things you could be doing.'

Happy Thirties to all of you who are in it! Enjoy it, they won't come back.