90 Minutes

An hour and a half over a drink at Barnes and Noble is not bad. I got there early and it wasn't terribly crowded. If I were sitting next to a couple who looked nervous and was having an apparent first conversation, I don't think I'd be able to listen to my own thoughts. I try not to think about that.

The specifics aren't that exciting. Trying to think of a pseudonym for him isn't even that exciting. I'll go with his job- something about financial planning.We were able to talk for 90 minutes without boring the other or running out of things to talk about. I can see getting together again, but only if I call to set it up.

This time, it's the generalities that have my mind occupied. Financial Guy (FG) was telling a story about a friend, who he thinks is a confirmed bachelor. He made his point by saying after a certain age, people don't change. I totally agree with that. I'm probably not going to change much (except that I'm eating better and pretending to be a runner). Neither is he. So if he likes hunting, fishing and antiques, he probably won't be giving that up anytime soon. Not a problem. I support the idea that couples should each have separate interests. Antiques to me looks like old stuff. FG has filled a house and a barn with them. He follows soccer, especially high school. My knowledge of soccer is only what was explained during the World Cup a few years ago. For vacations, he goes hunting and fishing. FG did name some National Parks he wants to visit and I'm good with that for some vacations. But not all. I want sand in my toes every once in a while. He doesn't like the sun, the beach, swimming. Separate interests shouldn't mean separate vacations or separate homes.

The age difference is ten years. He actually asked me how old I am. Even with the caveat that he knows people aren't supposed to ask that, some women might have an problem with that. Luckily I don't. Ten years doesn't bother me now. But I get way ahead of myself and think about when I'm 60 and he's 70. Or when I'm 70 and he's 80. I see friends of my parents who have to take care of a spouse. I can't help but think about things like that. I know I am way ahead of myself for many, many reasons.

So how much can you determine from 90 minutes? I'm not making any major decisions. I will give him a call and set up meeting him for dinner. I want to see if he takes any initiative. I want to see if he makes attempts to contact me on his own. Let's be honest-I'm waiting to see if he pays for dinner.