<h4>How to Deal... with Bad Dates</h4>

I just got back from my 7th(?) online induced date. They don't get any easier. I've been expecting that with enough practice I'd develop some decent skill at entertaining a perfect stranger for a few hours. I just can't summon the superficiality required.

Let's review some of my thoughts from the evening.

• What was he really thinking when he brought up that story about removing his pants? Was he picturing me naked? Ugh.
• Does he realize he has sauce on his face? Does he realize it's unattractive?
• Is he really divorced?
• Why did he tickle my back both times he came back from the bathroom? Couldn't he feel me flinch the first time?
• Does he think I just ran into my friends, or that they're here to spy on us?
• When he mentioned "us" in the future sense, is he picturing us really being together?
• How long before I don't feel guilty for skipping out because "my dad just had surgery and I want to check on him real quick before I head back to my empty apartment"? I put that last bit in quotes because... well, doesn't it strike you as a bit made up?

They say that within 8 minutes of meeting someone, the attraction is there or it's just not. Or am I making that up? Well, I knew within 8 minutes of my date tonight that I would be biding my time till it was safe to escape. Anyway, I have a question for you...

How do you end a done-in-8-minutes sort of date?
1) Endure/enjoy the remainder of the evening,
2) Pretend something more pressing has come up, or
3) Skip out on your trip to the lou?

When all is said and done (and paid for), I can find some feeling of accomplishment when the date is over. I met someone new, I understand myself well enough to know when I'm not attracted, I got some free drinks and compliments. Oh, and  nothing compares to the dizzy, excited comfort of reaching my car after that all too awkward hug/kiss/we-should-do-this-again-soon. Sweet, sweet freedom.