Went on an OkCupid binge about six weeks ago. Had a number of first dates, all with k-closes. No second dates. Ended up having second and third dates with girls I met elsewhere (including one who approached me at a museum). Forgot OkC. Went back about a week ago and asked to meet up with the ones I was still interested in. Last night was with the hottest one.

I picked a dark, somewhat cheesy vodka bar that looked convenient for her work/home. I have to say my mental game was off- I thought this woman was either going to be way fatter than came across in her pictures (something I am now looking for whenever there's not a clear body shot) or the face will match the body and she's super hot (don't know how the HB thing works but I'd say HB9 by the photos). Get there early, it's crowded and I score a table somehow. Sit down, read the menu, text museum girl plans for the weekend. OkC girl texts asking if it's the place across the street (also Russian). I say "Across the street. The other one. :)" she responds "Ahh ok ha ha " . I decide to walk out front to meet her to avoid further delay. Well, she's definitely cute- HB8 more than 9. We chat, I give her a hug and gesture we should go inside. (Missing a kino chance due to intimidation)

In the bar I'm the expert- I know this place, what's good, etc. I suggest what she orders, talk to the waiter for her then let her order herself. When we clink glasses I make sure to not break eye contact first. During conversation I try to sit back some, neg her a couple times and try to smile and keep eye contact. We have the same hometown and turns out I know a childhood friend of hers. When I mention where I live (kinda ghetto) she makes a face, but then claims it's not that far. She's now looking more like an HB7 to me, I can't figure why. Maybe she's a little boring and conventional-seming. Yet I'm having fun chatting, we're both smiling and laughing, she's playing with her hair, but after 1.5 hours and a couple drinks conversation slows, it's a Wednesday and I've got stuff to do at home. I ask for the check while she's in the bathroom. Then she mentions getting up early for work and I ask to walk her to the subway. At this point I realize the table has been in between us all night and I've done zero kino. The walk out I remember logistics and my idea for food at location 2, but it's too far. I make my first innuendo of the night and touch her arm, but otherwise we're walking hands in pockets. I suggest a frozen yogurt place we pass (she said she loves the stuff) and she says she had some earlier but she'd accompany me. I pass.

At the subway entrance it's time for more awkward hands in pockets. I'm still fumbling for another location but she mentions getting up early. My eye contact is fairly good but I'm thinking no way I can k-close. I say it was good to meet her, she said she had fun, I say I did too, see you later, weak hug and walk away.

When I get home I decide I should feel her out because I'm unsure if there's actually a chance for anything, but I don't feel too invested. I say it was good chatting with her, does she know of a Blintz Ball next week? (Joke from earlier.) Her response (around 11pm): "Hey always_hungry this was fun. Hmm I am not sure if a Blintz Ball exists, but if not, I hear a great idea for a startup! "

Now, Seddit'll probably tell me to forget this one, and that's fine, but I really want to get better at escalating with HB8's and 9’s- clearly I have insecurities there. So I'm thinking about a call or text to make plans for the following week, maybe on Sunday because why not? meanwhile hitting the gym and running more, getting personal shit together to build confidence. So what's the secret to climbing the HB food chain?