The Dating Doughnut

After months of my self-imposed dating drought I broke down and accepted the offer of a lunch date with a guy from the coast of Maine a few weeks ago. Absurdly tall with good looks and blue eyes, he seems smart and has a good sense of humor. And tenacity.

My reluctance to re-enter dating made me react like a cat on the way to the vet. It doesn't know what's going to happen but it is unlikely to be pleasant. I cancelled our first lunch date because he didn't call the day before to confirm. The next one, I cut him back from lunch to a quick cup of coffee.

Now four dates later (yes, four, count them, four!) things are starting to roll. Like a top gaining speed, it's a little wobbly but I have reason to believe momentum will take over soon.

Over that first cup of coffee he explained his dating philosophy. "It's the dating doughnut," he said. Geographically speaking, don't date someone who lives in the same small town. That's the hole in the doughnut. "I understand COMPLETELY, " I comiserated. "And then there's a good 50 mile band, outward to 75 miles from your house. That's the doughnut." So I am on the outer ring of the doughnut from where he lives, but clearly in contention.

He has none of the deal breakers. He opens doors. Picks up the tab. Good job, financial security, all his teeth, full head of hair and seemingly a good attitude towards his ex. He seems genuinely nice and agreeable. Am I missing anything? Oh, he's a republican but I can't rule out 49% of the dating population, so we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one.

The dating doughnut - is he the hole or the dough? Only time will tell.