In a small town, every life intertwines. We know each other. And even if you wandered off to Los Angeles, you remain a topic of conversation so long as your mother can talk.
Last summer, an idea popped into the amalgamated thoughts of rural Idaho. Perhaps their darling daughter would make a good mate for a beloved son. The fact that she lives 1000 miles away seemed irrelevant once it was discovered that she liked horses! The fact that he doesn’t like horses also seemed of little consequence.
Furthermore, her mother discovered that she had a tooth that had moved out of place. Kismet! Luck! Fortuition! The future Mr. Glo worked at the dentist office! It must, must, must be fate.
Alas. I am immune to fate. My practical side exerted itself the week before I returned and I cancelled the dentist appointment. I have a lovely HMO that will take care of such things.
My town was not to be thwarted. They abandoned clever and went for direct – a much better choice. These are practical, earth-bound farmers. So, his friend called me to ask if I would go.
“Sure,” I said cheerfully.
“It’ll be fun,” she said reassuringly.
“Of course it will,” I agreed amiably.
“I’ll be there so it will be easy.”
I paused a moment. “You know I’ve gone on a date before, right? I’ll be fine.”
She paused, then closed the conversation. I groaned. Collectively, my entire town has decided that I am a hermit, locked away from the world. This was confirmed when I got to town and complete strangers began to hand out dating advice. I laughed and shook my head.
The date came. It was nice. Beyond nice. Really. We talked, laughed, played games, and enjoyed the evening. I was seriously contemplating how impulsive I could be when he walked me to the door. Just as we started up the steps, he said, “Your family is waiting up for you.”
I glanced in the window to see my entire family pretending not to watch us. My desire to be impulsive disappeared as I thanked him for a lovely evening and slid in the door, abandoning my hopes for a lovely porch moment.
By 8:30 the next morning, the wisdom of my decision was confirmed when the town gossip rang to find out how my evening went. That afternoon, the first critique of my dating performance reached my ears. At dinner, an acquaintance popped by to ask for first-hand insight. I smiled and responded demurely each time.
I didn’t expect him to call, write, etc., and he hasn’t. I considered asking him to dinner while I was in town, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Be stunned if you’d like. I’ve recently stopped forcing myself to be “worldly.” I’m shy with boys. They scare me. And I certainly couldn’t be less shy with an entire small town awaiting the results.
But it was a good date. With a good guy. And that’s an important change in my life.
P.S. To any and all family members reading this - stop feeling guilty. I find it hilarious. And adorable. I love that you love me so much. Thank you. I'm so happy that I got to share that moment with you. I love you all.
11 comments:
i can't imagine.
i wish i weren't so jaded. i hate the dating thing. i can't imagine myself getting excited for a date. so much dread.
Congratulations on a pleasant date and surviving the familial pressures.
These will make great scenes in Mr. Glo, the romantic comedy movie version of your life.
Even if this particular Mr. Glo doesn't end up with the title role.
I was there and I promise - it was entirely accidental, all of us waiting there in the living room when Glo and her date walked to the front door. At least on my part. I wandered upstairs long after everyone else was already comfortably ensconced and chatting amiably around the Christmas tree.
Deep down, I had kinda hoped that at least some part of the date had ended up in the local paper.
But as it was, it sounds like it went as well as could have been expected.
Jazz - I share your sentiments entirely. Sad to be jaded, but it seems unavoidable. Most dates are hopeless endeavours embarked upon to please others, not ourselves.
Arch - thanks for stopping by!
RaJ - currently reads as romantic tragedy...but thanks for the sentiment.
Cate - as you and I know, my family is all about the aimless wandering. I have no doubt it was accidental. It was funny.
Omar - paper wasn't published that week. There may be hope as long as no cows froze to death over the holiday.
MFM - that's hilarious. I'd love it. Such a fabulous idea. First reality show I'd consider watching :)
Ooooh, that does sound like a fun reality show. Only if it were my small town trying to set me up . . . well, I'd rather shoot myself. :)
But maybe THAT would make for good ratings, lol. Small town drives city girl insane as they try to force her back into the box from which she came. Hahaha.
How about you ask him to dinner the next time you are in town? :>
it's funny... but i still can't put myself in your shoes at all :D
i think if you had your 'impulsive moment' then you'll be definitely in the local paper :D
belated merry xmas 'n happy new year!
Sounds so lovely, although the whole town breathing down your neck does put a damper on things.
Just have fun and enjoy yourself.
BTW, how's the tooth? Whose tooth was it again?
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