Date #1: MmmBop

The first date was a good start to this little project. I met up for a drink with a boy I now call MmmBop. We went to James Hoban's in Dupont Circle. Yesterday was the World Cup in Dupont, so the bar (a big Irish pub) was out of almost all of their beers on tap. James Hoban's is right in the middle of Dupont, with a big patio out front. It was hot out today, so we sat outside for some great people watching. They have good happy hour specials from 4-7 every day, but we didn't try any of the food. (http://www.dchappyhours.com)

I found MmmBop on OkCupid. Here's what I knew about him: He was 5'10, 26 years old, a lawyer in DC, similar religious views, similar taste in music, fun sense of humor. Some of his pictures were cuter than others.

I got to the bar 10 minutes early, and he was already there. Very punctual, good boy. He was dressed straight out of a Vineyard Vines catalog, though he would later swear that he is nothing like the typical Georgetown boy. Actually, I think I really insulted him when I told him he'd fit in well in the Georgetown area. He seemed a bit nervous for maybe 3 minutes but loosened up nicely. MmmBop was polite, smart, and adorably goofy. I wasn't super attracted to him, but he was cute. We talked about DC, our families, our jobs, TV shows, and...music. Though I realize I am in NO POSITION TO JUDGE, I have actually found a man with a worse ipod than my own. I know, you don't believe me, but it's true. He has more than 2 Miley Cyrus songs, and he refers to her by first name. He has multiple Hanson songs. I mentioned the Backstreet Boys concert I just went to, and he said he had wanted to go to it. Again, I have a terrible music collection, but I feel like as a girl, I have a little more leeway.

We stayed at the bar for about 2 hours and had 2 beers each. The conversation was great. I poked fun at him lightly, and he responded well. There were no awkward moments at all. However, I didn't feel a romantic connection. After he paid and we left, he walked me to the metro. We both said we had a lot of fun, and he said he would call me later.

If MmmBop asks for a second date, I am going to tell him that I had a lot of fun and I would be interested in getting to know him as a friend. It's easier saying it that doing it. I am ashamed to admit that in the past, I have faded people. To those from past generations, fading means basically disappearing..not returning phone calls or emails until the person gives up. I've faded people and I've been faded myself, and I know from experience that I would ALWAYS rather have someone tell me straight up that he isn't interested than wonder what the deal is. So, that is Rule #2 of this experience...I will not leave anyone hanging. Rule #1 is easy...say yes to a date. Rule #2, not as easy for me, but I think it will make me a better person.