Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice
"Only one month to go. What's a good night for you to go out and have a drink? I would like to say goodbye."
"Next Thursday after work maybe? I could drive out there for a few."
A bit more back-and-forth texting and the date was set. I did everything I could to accommodate this person. I asked my boss a week ahead of time to get out early that night since my friend works 8 a.m. shifts and 10 p.m. drinks are not ideal for that schedule. And when Thursday came around, work was slow enough to send me home after one table, which I accepted strictly to allow my friend to get to sleep earlier. Giving up money is not my usual strategy.
"All right, my friend," I sent. "Work was slow so I got out early. I'm going to Outback for some dinner and I can meet up with you whenever you'd like."
Radio silence. When my phone finally beeped, it was somebody else inviting me out for a drink, which I accepted. I never heard from my friend, nor did I press the issue. All I wanted to say was, "It was a pleasure knowing you, and I appreciate the time we spent together. I will miss you." A few laughs, a bit of catchup, whatever. But it serves me right for exposing myself.
The list is shorter now. Shorter than most early-30's people would feel comfortable with, I'm sure. But I'm not most people. I've learned my lessons throughout life and I've learned them well.
"Next Thursday after work maybe? I could drive out there for a few."
A bit more back-and-forth texting and the date was set. I did everything I could to accommodate this person. I asked my boss a week ahead of time to get out early that night since my friend works 8 a.m. shifts and 10 p.m. drinks are not ideal for that schedule. And when Thursday came around, work was slow enough to send me home after one table, which I accepted strictly to allow my friend to get to sleep earlier. Giving up money is not my usual strategy.
"All right, my friend," I sent. "Work was slow so I got out early. I'm going to Outback for some dinner and I can meet up with you whenever you'd like."
Radio silence. When my phone finally beeped, it was somebody else inviting me out for a drink, which I accepted. I never heard from my friend, nor did I press the issue. All I wanted to say was, "It was a pleasure knowing you, and I appreciate the time we spent together. I will miss you." A few laughs, a bit of catchup, whatever. But it serves me right for exposing myself.
The list is shorter now. Shorter than most early-30's people would feel comfortable with, I'm sure. But I'm not most people. I've learned my lessons throughout life and I've learned them well.