Well. Almost 33 years old and I had my first DATE on Saturday.

[Madrone]

First *real* date, anyway. Where a guy I don't really know asked me out. It was nice - he called to say he'd be over to pick me up for dinner, and I said "NO - I'LL be over to pick YOU up for dinner. I'm driving."

Surprised him I think. We went to a town just over an hour away - for seafood. He insisted on paying - but I tried. He pointed out that I DROVE - so the least he could do was pay the bill.

It was nice, and we talked a lot. Today, he asked me what I was doing after work. He's a contractor currently working for my company. I wasn't doing anything - so we went out again. This time, I was too quick for him, and *I* got the bill. After a brief and amicable argument he agreed to my terms - he got to leave the tip, but I paid for dinner. He left a more than adequate tip. I was watching.

After dinner we went on a nice drive in the country, and talked some more. After that, I took him home. There was a brief awkward moment then - we were sitting in his driveway, and he was reluctant to get out. We talked some more - and finally he said "I would like a kiss" - I was so surprised I just looked at him - then said "How about a hug?." He was okay with that, I gave him an awkward "sitting in the car" hug, we sat there for a few more moments, and he went inside.

A few minutes after I got home the phone rang. It was him. He was concerned that his request for a kiss had offended me. I chuckled and told him NO - not in the least, although I was surprised by it. I told him that I was very glad he'd called and asked, so he didn't lie awake stewing about it all night. He agreed, said that that's definitely what he would have done - wished me a wonderful night and told me he'd see me tomorrow.

This "dating" thing is WAY weird to me. I've never done the traditional "date" thing. I'm not a traditional girl. Because I don't really know this guy I don't know why he's interested in the first place - it's kind of funny to me. I DO think that he's impressed that although he makes a 6 figure income, and I make a fraction of that, I insist on being equally liable for expenses incurred on our outings. I suspect most men are not used to that.

Seriously, I don't know how people do this "dating" thing all the time. It feels so weird! I'm used to friendship developing into a love interest further on down the line - so this is completely new to me.

I'm not that weird, am I?

[enigmatic]

1. Enjoy it

That sounds like a great couple of dates. And he sounds like a nice guy..

[Placebo]

2. You'll probably be the better for it!

The happiest people I know seemed to just FIND love in their 30s out of the blue. Lots of them weren't even looking/hadn't been on a date in ages/etc... It's craziness!

Best of luck with your man though (isn't that fun to say? your man, hehe) and it takes a nice guy I think to call you up after asking for a kiss and being turned down just to make sure he didn't cross a line.

Best of luck! :) And congrats! :party:

[merh]

3. No, you are not weird.

The dating scene is weird. Just relax and enjoy yourself. It sounds like he is very understanding and has his ego in check. Just take it one day at a time and enjoy.

[Wetzelbill]

4. I'm a lot like that

Except I'm a guy, of course. 30 and never been much of a dater. Usually I have a friendship turn into something a little more thing, like you mentioned, or I -please forgive me - go out, get drunk and end up with someone at a party or something. The latter was the young me though, haven't every really been like that and haven't done that in years.

Dating is an odd thing, imho. The whole concept is sort of awkward, even just thinking about. I always think it is just weird to ask someone out too. It's like I'm saying:"We should do something one of these days" and I imagine she's thinking:"Translation: You want to jump my bones."

I have issues.

Oh, btw, congratulations and just enjoy it. Have fun. :)

[roguevalley]

5. go for friendship and let the rest develop on that. dating is the

weirdest ritual in the world.