Most of this blog is dedicated to the absurd, offensive and generally poor showing of men that I’ve had the misfortune of dating. It’s time, however, to give a shout out to the truly decent men I’ve met. While we didn’t work out romantically for a variety of reasons, these gents are excellent human beings and are going to make the women they end up with very happy.

Symphony

Symphony and I met a couple years ago during that fluke week in mid March when it hit 80 degrees outside. What was supposed to be just coffee turned into a 5+ hour marathon  date. Symphony was smart and, more importantly,  interesting. Well traveled and passionate, he and I could talk for hours about anything.

There’s a lot I could say about it him- how he pushed me to take the next jump in my career, how he planned the best date to the symphony in Boston (thus the nickname)-  but one thing that will stick in my mind is that, on one of our dates, he gave me a gift: his favorite book. It soon became one of my favorites.

While it was our intention to remain friends after we stopped dating, life took its course and I haven’t had the pleasure of his conversation in a long time, but I’m sure he’s rocking at whatever he’s up to these days.

The New Zealand-er

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. New Zealander is one such example.

I studied abroad in Australia for a year in college (best year ever). My second day there, I was at the bus stop when it started raining. Everyone rushed under the covered waiting area and he and I ended up next to each other. Exchanging pleasantries, he picked up on my American accent and we started chatting. It was instant chemistry.

We dated for almost the entire year while I was in Australia. He was adventurous and fun and successfully managed to pull me out of the mental  shell I had climbed into the year before. He was the first guy I dated who made me feel beautiful. (It also didn’t hurt that he was impressively attractive and had an amazing accent.)  He even tried, very patiently, to teach me how cricket is played. I still have no idea.

Obviously, I went home and we never spoke again (no, he’s not on Facebook), but it’s ok. He walked into my life when I needed him. I hope he’s still surfing and that he’s found a girl who understands and actually wants to watch cricket.

The Nurse

The Nurse and I met about 4+years ago. I was new to the Portland area and he was in school. We hit it off immediately and dated over the course of a few months until he moved away for work. (Darn timing… 🙂 ) Nurse proved to me that dating a younger man is not an issue at all and that the whole dating process doesn’t have to be dramatic.

One of the best things about the Nurse is that he and I are actually still friends, talking regularly and hanging out whenever we happen to be in the same state. (He’s probably going to have some words for me when he reads this. When I started this blog he called to see if he was going to be featured… surprise hun!)

He continues to be one of my favorite sushi buddies and is always there with a fun meme or gif to help express my extreme addiction to coffee. He’s a sweetheart who can actually save your life, should the need arise, and for the record is also an excellent cook.

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There a million and more reasons why things don’t work out with someone you’re dating, but it’s not usually because the person is crazy or a jerk or like cats too much. While the terrible stories are funny (and don’t worry, I have more of them), most people are cool and relatively normal. Bottom line: no need to lose hope or give up, awesome people still exist.