I thought I would start a thread of nice stories for us single ladies who have met someone with potential and are in early stages or "could be, who knows".
Some months ago I shared a thread on MN about my separation a year ago and a fantastic friend I met shortly after who helped me through it, and who became an amazing FWB with which I have a great friendship and intimate connection. At the time I posted I was trying to get some distance between us as we had both developed feelings for one another but a relationship was not possible, as he desperately wants children (and I desperately don't).
For the last months my FWB and I have successfully created some space while still seeing each other as friends, occasionally as lovers but not in such an obsessive way as before. He is now planning to move to another country for a fresh start, and although I will miss him crazily (both emotionally and physically, we are bloody amazing in bed!), it does feel like the right decision for him and for me, so we can both move on with our lives.
3 months ago I started online dating, not because I really was looking for a relationship, but mainly to create some distraction from my FWB and meet some more people. I have met a number of lovely men, not as many crazy stories as when I did OLD in my late 20s-30s, but none of them have really brought on the butterflies-in-my-belly feeling. This could be a combination of not finding the right person, and also, as I am very aware of, still having feelings for my FWB.
Recently, through a hiking FB page, I met a man with whom I went on a hiking trip. There were no expectations at all of anything, I had never met him before, he just posted asking whether anyone would like to join a hike up a nearby mountain I had not been to before. 4 people responded including me, however the others pulled out at different stages so this man and I ended up going together.
He is 4 years older than me, but honestly looks 10 years younger. He is tall, handsome and has a sexy foreign accent, he appears to be kind, share the same sense of humour with me, many of my interests, is separated from his partner for 3 years so far and has a lovely little boy he shares custody with. On the Saturday of the hiking weekend we stayed at a stunning camping site side by side, cooked dinner together, had a glass of wine and were amazed by the beautiful starry sky at night. The night could not be any more romantic if I had booked it in advance.
However, something in me was reluctant to try anything that night. It appeared too perfect. I was not ready for romance. He probably is not really interested (although in truth he was giving all the right signs!). All sorts of excuses in my head. Obviously I was not in the right frame of mind.
Nothing happened that night, and on Sunday we went up the mountain together. Again, great conversation, laughter, beautiful day and great memories.
Since then, he has kept in touch in a really respectful way. Not pushy. Not forcing himself on me. Not sending a thousand messages, but not letting too many days go by without at least a nice message. I am finding myself thinking of him during the day and looking forward to seeing him again.
Since the hiking trip, I had him around for coffee one day (yes, really just coffee :) and he joined me and some friends for a movie last week. My heart did beat a bit faster when he turned up for the movie.
He is always enthusiastic about joining anything I suggest and makes himself available or suggests alternative days/things to do if he is not.
This week he has invited me to join him for Comedy Night on Friday. I followed my instinct and told him that if he paid for my ticket, I would buy him a drink in a nice trendy bar before the show.
I am so, so looking forward to Friday!
I have no idea if this will go anywhere or not, but I am so bloody excited that there is a new person who has my interest, and an honest chance of him being interested too.
I thought I would share this with you and ask for your exciting stories. Is there anyone in your radar who looks promising? Would you share it with me and follow up to see how things evolve?