Going steady and another failed attempt at a relationship.

So I went on a blind date today. It's funny. I never saw myself as the type to do such a thing, yet I've found myself on no less than five blind dates this season alone. I subscribe to the belief that it's important to get to know someone well enough, perhaps become more familiar with them, build up some trust, or at the very least be their friend first before taking things to the next level. That way I can be sure I know what I'm getting into. But that never happens and this time was no different.

I won't give up any names here, but their initials are "J.H." and although I like to take things slow, I jumped right in with this one like I always do. In the past, every time I thought I had a shot, I'd get all nervous in the beginning, not be myself, come on WAY too strong, and ruin any chance I might have had by falling hard. Today, I "fell" head over heels. Twice! By the time I realized that I was taking things too fast, there was really no way to salvage the relationship. A steadier pace and holding back just a little may have helped. Maybe that's why they call it "going steady?" It seems the only way for things to come to that point is to take your time in reaching that comfort zone and letting things just kind of happen on their own.

To say the least, this relationship was destined to be rocky. And it was. Ah, love on the rocks! It was a turbulent... Okay! We get it! Well, the important thing is that I always end up learning a little more about myself each time and realize my mistakes and how to avoid them in the future. I believe that we're put in a succession of relationships that are indeed destined to fail to help shape us into the people we need to be when the right one does come along. I know when it does, I will be ready. It will be amazing, beautiful, and unlike any other I've ever known.

The good news is that I have one more chance to put my new-found skills, gained from the last failure, to the test next weekend, since I actually have another date. This one won't be blind though. As a matter of a fact, I'm quite familiar with this one since we've had a few moments together in years past, and a few others more recently. I'm hopeful that it will go the way I want it to, but there's only one way to find out and I've got nothing to lose. Wish me luck!

And nice guys don't always finish last. Sometimes they come in 8th place. ;-)

Me, coming on strong.

The tunnel of love.