Can A Guy With Parkinson's Find Love Or Even Lust On A Dating Site
This has been a slow summer.
Last year I was meeting the Governor, finding out about puppy mills and dealing with medical marijuana laws. This year nothing, nada, zip.
I have a lot of free time so it seemed right to move ahead in the elusive search for Ms. Right. It could even be Ms. Right Now...I'm not picky.
Where does a 62 year old male, with Parkinson's, meet an age appropriate woman? Yeah you guessed it...an internet dating site. I guess the title gave this away.
I decided this time to be upfront with my "disability". It's now on my profile. Why start something and then have it be a waste of everyone's time because she can handle P.D. Besides, most people in this age range have some sort of issue so let's get them out in the open and move forward.
So you can imagine my excitement when I woke up this morning to mail from OKCupid. It was a one word email. "Coffee"?
The woman lived in Ho Chi Minh City. I think dating someone from Highland Park is a little far, so Ho Chi Minh City is unlikely. Plus I spent my early years trying to stay out of Vietnam. I'd be looking around for landmines and snipers. Not condusive to a good date.
But that's nothing compared to last weeks PlentyofFish adventure. Not even close.
About a month ago I started a conversation with a woman on POF. Local girl. Easy chatting and flirting. Same age. It was a good start.
After a week, I get this email, "I'm glad you were upfront about the Parkinson's. I have a nursing background and can help if and when you need it."
I usually like to meet a woman before committing to having her change my adult diapers but okay. At least I have a caretaker, if I ever need it.
We finally made plans to meet last Friday. Nothing special...just a milk shake at a local cafe.
A couple of hours before the meet, I get an email. "Sorry, I have to postpone. Was called out of town on an emergency."
An hour later another email, "I can't believe I lied to you. Two years ago I woke up with my fiance dead, lying next to me. I'm not ready yet."
Well that certainly puts a damper on this but I'm nothing if not sensitive. I responded,
"It was just a drink. I wasn't going to ask you to marry me. I wasn't even going to try to get your clothes off, unless you insisted. We can be friends. If you want benefits, that's cool. If not, that's cool, too."
See....I'm Mr. Sensitive.
We made plans to try again the following Monday. The next day there was another email saying that even friends was too much and that was the end. I may be sensitive, but I don't beg.
So what's next in the world of romance? Got me!
It was suggested that I know a lot of really great woman. Just find one you really like and ask her out on a real date.
Do people still do that? Seems so old school.