Tag: Dating

Paying Him Forward – [After The Date – Update]

Lorraine: The date night went well. I was nervous but we both showed the best versions of ourselves.

David Bondze-Mbir (DBM): Do you wish to see him again?

Lorraine: I don’t think so

DBM: Why not?

Lorraine: I doubt it would lead anywhere

DBM: Was that his conclusion too?

Lorraine: No. He wants a second date

DBM: How was the conversation like, between the two of you?

Lorraine: It flowed nicely. He maintained eye contact with me throughout the date. He asked very sensible questions and was of course, flirting with me. He found me attractive.

DBM: You asked the question?

Lorraine: I did, when I realized he would quickly smile back at me anytime I smiled about something he had said. We initially were seated opposite each other by the table but before the date ended, he had drawn closer to my chair and was leaning into the conversation.

DBM: If I am interested in someone and what they have to say, I would lean closer too. That’s a positive sign I believe.

Lorraine: I thought so till the awkward moment.

DBM: Oh Oh! What did he do now?

Lorraine: I asked about his feelings for my daughter.

DBM: And?

Lorraine: He said that chapter had closed. I asked if they were intimate in the three years of their friendship. He first cleared his throat, slowly sipped his drink. And then smiled. And then there was that awkward pause. He then said he didn’t want to lie to me.

DBM: Lie to you about what?

Lorraine: That was all he said.

DBM: How did the date end?

Lorraine: On a good note. He drove me back home, talked a bit in his car in front of my gate, gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek.

DBM: Do you mind me asking a few personal questions?

Lorraine: Yes

DBM: Can you take me through your activities for the day, leading to the date?

Lorraine: I woke up to a text message from him. A greeting and how he was looking forward to our date. He asked me not to drive to work that morning because his driver was on his way to pick me up to work. My daughter had given him the locations to my house and work. His driver brought me flowers. I thought that was very sweet of him. I was taken to work, and was picked up from work later by him.

DBM: Okay! What kind of conversations did you have on the date?

Lorraine: We talked about almost everything important to us. He wanted to know more about my life, my interests, anything in my past I was willing to share and my plans for the future. He shared his with me too. We were very expressive about our feelings.

DBM: Was there chemistry between the two of you?

Lorraine: There was chemistry, so much chemistry that could have led to sex if I had allowed it.

DBM: Okay! Describe the relationship between you and your daughter to me.

Lorraine: You might not quite get it but my daughter is my best friend. I was a parent to her when she was young but as she grew into this amazing young woman, the friendship component to our mother-daughter relationship suddenly has blossomed. Dave, the desire of every mother is for their children to like them. My daughter has always liked me. Even in the years I thought she wouldn’t need me anymore, she would come and take me out shopping or fine dining. It melts my heart when she calls me every day to tell me how much she loves me. She makes all the scarifies I’ve made for her sake worth it. Watching my baby girl grow into the lady she’s becoming is more rewarding than I could have ever thought.

DBM: What’s the story between you and her biological father?

Lorraine: He was the branch manager at my second employment. I had been hired as the assistant to the Relationship Manager to enhance client satisfaction while driving revenue growth. He used to seek my opinions on investments and financial services. We became more than friends and I got pregnant in the process. The day I shared the news with him; he told me he was engaged and soon to be married to his girlfriend who was also pregnant for him. He gave me the option to abort the pregnancy but I kept it.

DBM: Did you know he had a girlfriend?

Lorraine: No. He told me he was an available man and not married.

DBM: Is he present in your daughter’s life?

Lorraine: He took responsibility from a distance. They’re not so close because his wife doesn’t know about her existence but they manage to meet and catch up from time to time.

DBM: He married the pregnant girlfriend?

Lorraine: Yes

DBM: What happened to your relationship with him?

Lorraine: There was no relationship between us after he made me aware he had a girlfriend. It ended the day I shared my pregnancy news.

DBM: Back to your daughter; now we know she probably might have shared more than just a kiss with your date. How does this new information reflect on you?

Lorraine: I am, in equal measures, perturbed and disappointed in her. She should have told me the whole truth.

DBM: Would you have gone on a date with him if she had been honest about her relationship with him?

Lorraine: No. It’s very embarrassing, Dave.

DBM: You have nothing to be embarrassed about, really. You were merely acting on her word, which you believed was the truth.

Lorraine: Yes

DBM: Do you intend seeing him again?

Lorraine: No

DBM: You’re certain?

Lorraine: 100%. It was a beautiful connection but my intuition is telling me that he is the type that is really good at creating the right impact on women. He’s skilled in asking the right questions, having eye contact and pretending to be listening to you intently so he can give the best answers. He knows how to connect with single women looking for love and impressing them along the ride. That’s not what I am looking for at the moment.

DBM: I see. It’s all good.

Lorraine: Dave, thank the people on your Facebook page for me. I read all their comments and concerns on our first chat. I did not take their opinions for granted.

DBM: There really are genuine, goodhearted single men out there praying to come into contact with a heart like yours. All the good men aren’t taken. The kind of man you seek doesn’t grow on trees, that is why I am hoping you wouldn’t let the least pleasant experience with this guy daunt you from being openminded to what else there is to come. Because another unique experience will come your way. Do not close off so easily nor sit home waiting for a man to fall out of the sky and land on your lap. Go out there. Make new friends. Put your energies into the right people and trust that you can do right by yourself.

Lorraine: You are so kind. You are so kind. Thank you David.

Image Credit: August-de-Richelieu

Paying Him Forward

Lorraine: Hello David. I want to talk about something

David Bondze-Mbir (DBM): Hey! How are you doing?

Lorraine: As wonderful as ever.

DBM: Good to know. What’s on your mind?

Lorraine: My daughter wants to hook me up with a man who initially was interested in, and pursuing her.

DBM: How old is your daughter?

Lorraine: 26

DBM: How old are you?

Lorraine: 48. I had my daughter when I was very young, in my early twenties.

DBM: And how old is this guy we’re talking about?

Lorraine: 52

DBM: I see. And to what extent did your daughter go with this man during his pursuit of her?

Lorraine: She said they only kissed

DBM: How many times?

Lorraine: Once.

DBM: How long has he known your daughter?

Lorraine: They’ve been friends for three years

DBM: She defined their relationship as ‘friendship’?

Lorraine: Friends

DBM: With no type of benefits?

Lorraine: Not that I know of. I’m just going by my daughter’s word

DBM: And you trust your daughter?

Lorraine: 100%. She wouldn’t lie to me

DBM: Have you met this man?

Lorraine: Not yet

DBM: But you’ve spoken to him before?

Lorraine: Once on the phone

DBM: What did you talk about?

Lorraine: Nothing. She wanted me to say hello to her friend and I did.

DBM: Why is she passing him on to you?

Lorraine: She’s met someone younger and closer to her age that she really likes.

DBM: And the 52-year-old knows this?

Lorraine: Yes. I’ve always taught my daughter that anytime she’s no longer interested in dating a guy, she had to break up with him quickly rather than dragging the relationship on for months or years.

DBM: Is he single? As in, no one else in the world somewhere thinks they’re in an intimate or exclusive relationship with him?

Lorraine: Yes, my daughter confirmed that

DBM: Are you single?

Lorraine: I am single.

DBM: Are you interested in this man?

Lorraine: I want to get to know him. He seems like a great person.

DBM: Is he interested in knowing you?

Lorraine: Yes, I got a text message from him, asking me out on a date.

DBM: Has he any kids?

Lorraine: He has two grown boys.

DBM: I don’t see any wrong in this exploration, unless I’m missing something

Lorraine: I think I’m a bit skeptical because he has been interested in my daughter for three years

DBM: He likes them young

Lorraine: That’s my biggest fear, Dave.

DBM: You’re a young woman yourself. You don’t look 48

Lorraine: Thank you but I’m still concerned.

DBM: About?

Lorraine: His preference in age

DBM: Has he specifically told you or your daughter his desired preference?

Lorraine: No

DBM: So, ask him on the date

Lorraine: Ask him what?

DBM: If he finds you attractive. As sensitive a subject as it is, people’s preferences and motivations do vary, whether you like it or not. We all can’t go for the same things.

Lorraine: What if he doesn’t?

DBM: Then he doesn’t! Life goes on. There are a few things that would only come with age

Lorraine: Like?

DBM: Like hearing the heart of your mind in thoughts even before you utter a word. If you can command a man’s attention with your presence, you will have his attention on something else other than what he usually would go for. You have to look it, because sometimes it’s the look (for most men). For others, it’s the vibe they sense the moment you walk into the room.

Lorraine: It wouldn’t make him think I’m desperate if I ask the attraction question?

DBM: I mean, a degree of tact and caution is needed but read his countenance regardless, before deciding to ask. But it’s an important question you’d have to ask before returning home from the date.

Lorraine: Dave

DBM: Yeah!

Lorraine: You really think I’m beautiful?

DBM: You’re a beautiful lady. Why, you don’t think you are?

Lorraine: Women my age have no chance competing with these young girls. The beauty standards of today are equated to looking and staying young.

DBM: You don’t have to hide the fact that you’re ageing gracefully. Some men do appreciate experience and maturity in a woman.

Lorraine: Dave, do you trust your gender?

DBM: No! A lot of the men out there are not being real. They’re busy playing roles and putting on spectacular shows to craft an image of perfection for you to fall for. Be in tune with your intuition at all times. That’s the only wake-up call to lead you right. Do not easily fall for their well-rehearsed lines that they feel would get them your needed applause. A lot of these guys looking all nice and important echo nothing short of hollowness. Do not be a victim to how they strategically would edit and revise their way into your heart. GOD made you smart, not desperate. Tap into your smart.

Lorraine: I like the way you talk to me, David.

DBM: Good to know. Keep me updated.

Lorraine: Ok. Bye

Image Credit: August-de-Richelieu

Seeking A Hype buddy

Gifty: I have never seen my mother enjoying a healthy relationship before. I’ve been trying to remember a single time I’ve seen mom with a man she’s dating or trying to find her way in love with, and all I’ve witnessed for the most part is something toxic. My mother is my best friend and the closest thing to me. She’s the only family I have, and an example of what I feel love is supposed to look like. She’s now in her mid-60’s and isn’t interested in dating anymore. I have fears, big fears when it comes to putting myself out there again to find love. I’ve done it twice already and both experiences have been disturbing. I don’t even know why I am contacting you.

David Bondze-Mbir (DBM): Keep typing

Gifty: Dave?

DBM: Yeah! Hello!

Gifty: Hi

DBM: How are you doing?

Gifty: Fine. How are you?

DBM: I am doing alright, thanks. How is mum?

Gifty: She’s fine

DBM: What’s on your mind?

Gifty: I’m scared

DBM: It’s perfectly fine to be scared sometimes. It’s okay to also talk to someone about your fears.

Gifty: I feel like I am currently struggling doing relationships and trusting men in general. My biggest concern is drifting from one toxic relationship to the other, just like my mum.

DBM: How old are you?

Gifty: 33

DBM: What does your ideal love life/relationship look like? What do you think it should feel like or be?

Gifty: I want to mean something to a man who has plans of building a future with me in it. I want to be loved and cherished in a relationship. I don’t want to be taken for granted or lied to. I want to be with a man who can make time for me when I have something to discuss with him. I want a man who can effectively communicate his feelings so that I can also know how to step up and connect with him on that level.

DBM: Tell me about your first relationship.

Gifty: I was 25. We dated for two years. I found out he was in multiple affairs and I didn’t want to stay to add on to the numbers.

DBM: How about your second relationship?

Gifty: I was 29. We dated for three years. He subscribes to these noxious alpha male philosophies that advises men to treat themselves like the price while treating women less than they’re worth. I am a confident and a self-sufficient woman with my own opinions and viewpoints. I was willing to support his dreams while pursuing my own but he wasn’t ready to be vulnerable with me. He had to play hard and tough. He could ignore me for no reason but expect me to chase and long after him. He was also cheating. I had to break it off.

DBM: How were your mother’s past relationships like?

Gifty: Some of the men she dated became violent, and that scared me. They lied, cheated and disrespected her. My mother is a retired medical doctor who experienced a lot of highs in her career. She cared about people, so imagine my mother in a relationship with a man she loved; she would care so much for him, but these men wanted to make lies, disrespect and cheating the standard for their love to be earned. She refused to conform, and I am my mother’s daughter. I refuse to conform.

DBM: What do you do for a living?

Gifty: I’m a surgeon.

DBM: You are indeed your mother’s daughter. So, are you looking for love?

Gifty: Not at the moment. I just want someone to talk to and I felt like pouring out my frustrations on you.

DBM: That’s okay!

Gifty: Dave, are there really single, good men out there? Because my experience and that of some of my girlfriends with some of these men tell me otherwise. It’s like, the good ones have either vanished or been snapped up. What we are currently left with to choose from are full of sh*t.

DBM: There are wonderful, single guys out there also looking for the real deal. Question is, would you be attracted to, or even recognize one if you’re to come into contact with one? Will his age be right for you? Will his financial record be judged or not? Will his educational profile play a part in drawing your attention? Will you zone in on, or out of over intellectualizing potential men with whatever your criteria are for men in your level or class? Because the next man you will date may also reflect your beliefs on love, relationship and yourself.

Gifty: I’m not sure I’m the picky type.

DBM: Good to know!

Gifty: Any ideas where you think good men can be found?

DBM: You’re a Christian?

Gifty: I am

DBM: We can start from there, church.

Gifty: I go to church every Sunday. They’re not there.

DBM: They are there. You just have to be intentional on making yourself noticeable.

Gifty: How?

DBM: By popping up. Wear a simple, yet colorful dress that pops. Sit somewhere visible where there is space also for a single guy to see you, and want to sit next to, or close to you.

Gifty: My church has ushers directing the seating arrangements.

DBM: Even better, volunteer to be an usher, welcoming guests with a smile on your face. Your husband could be that guest you would smile at while ushering him to find a seat. A lot of single men are seeking GOD, and God-fearing women. Thus, their reason for being in church on their own. Trust me, single men notice single women in church. All you have to do is to get their attention.

Gifty: Any other suggestions?

DBM: Attend weddings. There is a sense of familiarity in such gathering.

Gifty: How so?

DBM: Everybody knows or must at least know the bride or groom to some extent. That is the familiar ground. A total stranger may still look familiar to you because they know either the bride or the groom. Even if you don’t know them, there is that assumption that you do. That should help you have the confidence in approaching people you may find attractive.

Gifty: And what if they’re not single?

DBM: You move on. My point is, at least you tried.

Gifty: Ok. We have two basic ideas. I need a third one, something different.

DBM: Find a bar that puts time, thought and effort into their establishment. Such places attract thoughtful, hardworking men and women who value their time and peace of mind.

Gifty: I like the third idea.

DBM: Run with it then.

Gifty: Can I ask a personal question?

DBM: No please!

Gifty: I will ask anyway. How did you meet your wife/spouse/partner? I realized you never say wife when you are talking about your spouse. Why do you always say partner?

DBM: When a man asks you to be his wife, I hear the tone of such request on the level of hierarchy and ownership of a sort. I’d rather a man asks if you would like for him to be your husband instead. I am all about partnership because it defines a certain level of equality in the commitment. “Would you be my wife?” as to “Would you like for me to be your husband?” Does that make sense to you?

Gifty: Certainly

DBM: I met my partner on a book review app. We have done seven years and it hasn’t been about getting through life together. We have leveraged our individual qualities to circumnavigate the twist and turns on the journey.

Gifty: Has it been easy?

DBM: It has been an experience of choosing to want to live in the moment. We are intentional on creating memories and sharing enough laughter. We make it a point to talk to, and with each other every single day. And we’re finding joy and having a blast living in all the unimportant, day to day moments.

Gifty: So, what should I look for in a husband?

DBM: Find a decent man who will call you by your name and put some respect on it. A man that you can build something even more awesome together with, as a team. A man you can share responsibilities with, while being each other’s hype buddies.

Image Credit: Boko Shots

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