mother nature is a man and other observations..

Tinder….Not

I mentioned that my granddaughter put me on Tinder,and eventually going to write about it,  when I can process the experience. Mostly awful, and I had nothing to do with the original thinking of Tinder. I have  said before that the term “hooking up” for me denotes a hospital bed with many tubes. The young version of “hooking up” sounds just as disastrous. The swiping to the left if not interested, and to the right if interested is somewhat of a ritual. It was fun at first doing with friends and the fun quickly turned to  sadness…….Definitely Not for me. Actually any dating site is not for me. My friend Edith who died at 98 told me to never look for a man. “He will find you.” Well Edith we will try your way now. Dating sites for a devout romantic…….Well they don’t go together like a “horse and carriage.” Which by the way should be banned in New York City…..but that’s another story. Until I write the post on Tinder. I went out all of twice. The first one was the funniest……but the second one was a genuinely nice guy. From California. Had lovely conversation and more things to write later. Friendship will reign. I would be so happy for him if he found his wonderful next love………..I am relieved to say, Tinder is no more. I deleted account this morning. Very empowering I must say.

Speed Dating………………..Not So Fast

I always wanted to try speed dating. I do make snap judgements, and have rarely been wrong. I would know within five seconds if there was chemistry or not. Of course all speed dating is for the young, and it seems over 65 is considered somewhat old. I don’t know anyone including a 90-year-old acquaintance who uses the word old. I once said labels are out, but if I had to have one, vintage works because it’s value increases with age. I wish an article in a major magazine could be the voice for women 65 plus plus. Amy Schumer did a hysterical comedy routine about women over 50 being unf…….! Worth a Google. So back to Speed Dating. Had the opportunity for 65+ and naturally none of my friends wanted to go. My friend since five years old finally said ok, but alas no room. This was a venue for 12 men and 12 women. All  sorts of rules and regulations. Had to be there 5 for meet and greet, and then the five-minute meeting, and then the quick writing about your feelings. At the end, there would be a tally to see who matched. I brought additional pen and paper because I was going mainly to experience and write about. Not being negative, but I know I will never meet anyone that way. A devout romantic, so  for me it has to be eyes meet in the subway sort of moment……bus or street would also work. So far it’s almost 11 years and no magic has happened. I wrote Allegory/Alleglory and Short Sad Story. First one was based on a true story and second was true. Some men have a close intimate relationship with themselves and no room for anyone else. Problem with first.

So I was getting ready for the Speed Dating event, going myself. Waiting for the Crosstown bus, since it was a distance away, I got a text saying they had a cancellation, and if my friend wanted to go she could. My excitement for the day was growing. Serendipity of course, Susan had to go and when I called her, she actually said yes and she would meet me ASAP at the bus stop. We live a building away. I love to be early and it was getting later and later. Mr Wonderful was waiting. Susan arrived and I insisted we cab  down. I rarely take cabs. Too practical, but we had to be there on time. In the taxi, no traffic and we arrived on time. I insisted on paying the fare. That should have been a hint. $26….Susan being the friend she is, treated me to a drink days later. So, we arrive. This is the scene. Four angry-looking women on a bench. One rather sad older man. Me and Susan. I wondered “where was everyone.” …….remembering the money I just wasted. Oh, and almost forget another man who literally ran away. No great loss. That gave the remaining a good laugh. No one cared that he left. By 6 the young gals who were running this “thing” were lovely and so apologetic for the outcome, or non outcome. They had cheese, wine, and crackers and Susan and I sat  with the two young gals and talked about the situation. The angry women left. The one man stayed for a bit.  I gave my spiel about how little women have progressed socially. Yes, you can become a fire or police person, doctor, lawyer and perhaps even an Indian Chief….but bottom line. A man still does the proposal and if you do go out and never hear, are you going to do the calling? Few do. Face it without anger…..it is and always has been a man’s world.

Just another experience to write about. So off my list is Speed Dating. Next? Tinder…