Bachelor #48

When an online dating prospect suggests plunging right into the face-to-face meeting, I’m always greatly relieved. No awkward phone call this time! But I’m starting the re-think that strategy. Bachelor #48, for example, could have EASILY been screened out at the phone call phase.

After a very brief “I-liked-your-profile” “thanks-I-liked-yours-too” email exchange, we booked a time for a quick drink. He suggested we meet at the bar at a nice restaurant downtown. He mentioned that he lives in a condo downtown. He works downtown. Can you see why I was getting a very clear “downtown guy” vibe? So imagine my surprise when I walk in and find him sitting there in a plaid shirt. And imagine my further surprise when he opened his mouth, only to find that every sentence he utters is punctuated with the charming phrase “and what-not, eh?” Here are some examples:

- I pretty much only drink beer, except when me and my buddies go out for drinks and what-not, eh?

- The thing I miss now that I live in a condo is not having a yard. I used to really like going out and cutting the grass and what-not, eh?

- You know, I’d be out cutting the grass and the neighbors would stop and say hello and stop for a beer and what-not, eh?

- I’ve always lived in a small town until I moved here a few months ago. I really like the small town life better but I like being able to walk outside and there’s all these places to go for a beer and what-not, eh?

Luckily, after about half an hour, he said:

- I don’t like the email back and forth much. I’d rather meet face-to-face and see if we like each other and what-not, eh? Then you know if you want to go out a second time. What do you think? Do you want to go out again?

And so, seasoned dater that I am, I responded:

- Well, you seem like a really nice guy and what-not, but I just don’t think it’s a match for me.

OK, I didn’t really say “and what-not” but I did get out of there in less than 40 minutes. That may be a personal record. I’m getting better at this.

Next and what-not, eh?