hoops

In an effort to provide some privacy to these fabulous men, I will not use their names (unless absolutely necessary). I will do what we ladies do in conversation and rename them with what they remind me of most. To begin, here's a shout out to "Hoops".

This was my first random meeting- we chatted initially through email and decided we would meet at Starbucks for coffee. Because I live in a fairly urban area, with several Starbucks within walking distance, I was certain to clarify where we would be meeting. After several confirmations, we decided to meet on Wisconsin Ave, at the Starbucks near the theater. He explained to me how close it was and although, I didn't agree completely, I assumed we were on the same page. He insisted that we were.

The night before, he texted me to confirm and wanted me to know that "he really likes girls who wear hoop earrings...hint, hint, hint." Pause. Breathe. For some, this may not even phase you; however, as laid back as I am, this rubbed me the WRONG WAY! I could not believe that this man was telling me to wear hoops to meet him- because he likes them! Now, don't get me wrong, I love me some hoops. I wear them regularly even....however, I DO NOT wear them because someone tells me to. I know, call me stubborn. So, against my better judgment and with the coersion of my sister and friends, I still decided to meet this man.

Starbucks. I'm a bit nervous and annoyed. It's 1:10 (we were supposed to meet at 1:00) and I decided that I had waited long enough for Hoops (of course, I was not wearing his favorite earrings). I grabbed my coffee, my bag, and headed out the door. A couple of minutes later, I receive a scathing text saying "Real nice, Carrie". Huh? He continued to text me saying that I was extremely rude to stand him up, etc., etc., etc. Then he called. I answered. He, in a raised voice, reiterated his anger about me not meeting him. Long story short...he was at the wrong Starbucks. Just as I figured- any man who tells a woman what to wear for their first meeting- cannot be trusted. Needless to say, his quick temper over the misunderstanding assured me that my instinct was correct...DO NOT MEET THIS MAN!

A couple of weeks ago and five months after my near collision with Hoops, one of the admins at my job said that someone had stopped by on Sunday and asked about me. Wanted to know if I had a boyfriend and said that he had met me at "Tommy Joes"- impossible, since I've never been. I was slightly concerned, but let it go. The next evening, I was told that there was someone at the front to see me- the inquiring man from the day before. I walked up confidently, ready to do business, introduced myself and received this return introduction..."Hi, Carrie. I'm "Hoops"- I don't know if you remember me." (Are you kidding me? Ladies, back me up here. Can you believe that this man came to my job?) It gets better. I assured him that, yes, I remembered him and then he asked me out. Good lord. I kindly gave him my most gracious refusal and offered him a drink at the bar. He declined and left.

So, I wonder, what was he thinking? He told me what to wear, he yelled at me before meeting me, he shows up at my job- stalking me, and then finds the nerve to ask me out. Oh, Hoops. Work on another game plan, my friend, because I'm nice. Next time you try that on a lady, you might get an earful or more.