We meet on OKCupid. Have a lot in common. Chat online, get her number. A day later, we text briefly, set up a first date.

I'm very nervous on my way there. I tend to get a little nervous excitement on first dates but this was more than usual. Pump some loud music to get myself psyched. That seems to curb the anxiety a little.

We meet at a bar. I can tell right away that I like her. Definitely a catch. Traveled, educated, great personality, ambitious, cute, funny...checks off all the things I'm looking for. Conversation is very easy. We talk about the places we've been to and the cool things we've done among other things. After chatting for a bit, I move us to a quieter location so we can have some privacy.

I casually touch her throughout the evening, perhaps not enough though, looking back. Not sure.

Turns out she just moved and this is her very first OKCupid date. Says she had a great time and is very happy she met me.

She drops "friend" throughout the evening. Saying things like, "I'm so glad to have another friend here." And after we hold hands while walking she says, "Yay! Friends!" Almost as if she's trying to be overtly clear about what this relationship is going to be. Drop her off and hug. Says she would like to hang out again.

Early this morning she sent me a link to a funny YouTube video referencing something we talked about.

I guess I just wasn't flirtatious enough. Sometimes I'm on, sometimes I'm off. Don't really know what I'm going to get from myself until the night is over and I look back.

Some good things about the night:

  • tried a new local beer I enjoyed
  • learned the bathroom door at that bar does NOT lock
  • learned some cool stuff about Africa and life in the Pacific Northwest
  • I was proactive this week so I've got plans tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday

Well, I've got a whole weekend of fun planned. What can I learn from my experience and what are some concrete goals I can focus on?