Dear Dr. Love,
Right before fall break, I went on a first date with the cutest boy. We went for coffee and planned to browse through the bookstore after. He even held the door open and remembered how I took my latte. We sat down and everything was going SO WELL. The butterflies were definitely making an appearance.
Then he waved someone over. I assumed it was a friend. Nope. It was his ex. She “happened” to be there and “just wanted to say hi.” They spent the next 20 minutes talking about their mission trip to Montana, while I sat there pretending to admire the latte art. When she finally (!) left, he said, “Sorry, we’re still close. She’s actually driving me home for fall break.”
So, Dr. Love … boo or beau?
Sincerely,
Left on the Curb (with a cold latte)
My dream date! Fall, crisp breezes and books = Dr. Love’s favorite things. At least, my dream date until I read the rest of your submission. I was getting butterflies too, but they hit the floor with SPEED once I read about his ex.
YIKES. If they’re still close with their ex, ladies, run. I feel like I have said this an uncomfortable number of times: An ex should stay an ex. Them being friends is probably not going to work out … for you, I mean.
First dates are generally when people show up as their best selves and try to win you over. Talking about his ex on a first date is a red flag. Talking to his ex for most of the date is an even bigger red flag. I wouldn’t have anything to say if he had just said hello and then moved on with the date.
There’s nothing wrong with being friendly with people, even if you once dated. But he and his ex should have gone on a date if he was so interested in talking to her for so long. Imagine them spending all that time in the car together on the way back home. Just enough time to rekindle their spark, don’t you think? They already know each other quite well, and obviously, they aren’t on bad terms.
I’m not going to say that she spent all that time stalking his location to find out when and where he was going to be when you two go on your first date. That would be crazy. But she might as well have pulled up a chair next to him and pushed you away. That’s what it felt like, judging from where I’m standing. It was just a first date. Super easy to move on from. My expert advice? Enjoy the spooky season without the drama.
If I was in the mood for a horror story, I’d read your submission again.
KIDDING. Maybe.
Auspiciously,
Dr. Love
Love M.D.
