carleymeiners

I’ve been on a handful of dates throughout my dating career. Some have been fabulous and others, not so much. It’s always weird to think back on why I allowed certain situations, but it’s always fun to see how much I’ve grown through these experiences. Dating teaches you a lot about yourself. These dates have taught me one thing: always stand by your high standards.

5. D. and the movies.

This boy came with a lot of baggage from his ex. I was just looking to go on a casual date, little did I know the amount of drama that it would cause… let alone the awkwardness. We went to see “Grown Ups” at the local movie theater. I didn’t let him pick me up because I was still unsure of whether or not I liked him. We met up and he bought the tickets. When we sat down at the movies I could barely pay attention, but not for a good reason. D would not shut up. He pretty much talked his whole way through the movie, maybe he was nervous? I don’t know. It was so bad when he walked me to the car later that night I dodged a hug and quickly drove away. Later that summer one of my friends had a crush on him and I practically forced him to hang out with her because I wanted him to be distracted from me. Note to self: don’t try to date someone you know you don’t like in the first place (boys take notes).

4. A and the I don’t even know what

A was in journalism with me in high school and he was different from any guy I ever liked. He was intelligent, but kind of mean at the same time. He had a strong personality. One afternoon after senior out we decided to hang out for the first time. In the past, we jokingly wrote love letters to each other (I still have them…), our friends would help us write and deliver them. It was only supposed to be a joke and I don’t even remember how it escalated. But that afternoon I found myself at his house playing video games and talking. We were both awkward, because I think we both realized we didn’t really know much about each other, and we both didn’t really want to know more. We “dated”, if you even want to call it that, for two weeks or so and then moved on. It was weird. I don’t even know what to really think about it, but it was definitely not one of my favorite experiences, even if I can laugh about it today.

3. C and the Texas Rangers

This date is probably one of the most expensive dates I’ve ever been on. It would honestly be a girl’s dream, but in my mind it was a nightmare. C and I had been going on “dates” on and off for months now. We went to the movies, on walks, and to dinner. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect boyfriend? Haha no. C took me on those dates and then would not take things any further. We went to the Rangers game and in my mind I was like this is it, he’s finally going to want to be with me. Guess again. We had seats behind first base on the second level, which are pretty decent seats, we had valet parking and he paid for food at the game and after the game. He acted like he was actually into me. Then later that night, when we were talking about how awesome the game was he texted me saying he hoped I didn’t get the wrong impression. I wish I could say that was the end of that relationship, but it wasn’t. I honestly to this day don’t really understand what went on with us. He was weird, we were weird, and clearly not meant for each other.

2. T and Chilis

Oh the famous “let’s be friends but act like we’re still dating,” which clearly never works. T and I had dated for eight months and had a ton of baggage, but when he said he would take me to dinner (I admit I might have pushed towards the idea) I was all for it. We talked, caught up from the week and discussed our individual futures. Well to my surprise later on he told me the next time we hung out I would have to pay for myself. To clarify what he meant: he was dating multiple girls and couldn’t afford to take them all on dates, including me. He thought I didn’t know this at the time, but I knew way more than he was aware was. Maybe it was his way of making me leave him, but couldn’t he have just flat out said “I do not like you.” A girl should never have to pay for herself or have ANY guy, an ex or not, tell her that she isn’t worth the money. He also proceeded to steal my photography. I mean at least give me a byline right? 😉

1. B and his Mom

This is by far the most I’ve ever been pissed off in a date. I would like to point out I was 19 years old when this happened. B and I had been dating for a while. We had plans to go to the movies for the majority of the week. When it came down to the night, it was pouring rain, perfect movie weather right? Well not according to his mother. His mom thought that the weather was too scary for him to drive in so she was going to drive us to the movies. I didn’t know this was a thing until he got to my house. She just explained 5 million times that he just couldn’t handle this weather, he was 18 years old, I’m sure a little rain wouldn’t hurt him. I didn’t say much, because I was so embarrassed. She dropped us off and waved goodbye, I felt like I was 15 years old all over again. Moral of the story is never date someone who seems significantly younger than you, you’re ultimately going to feel like a child.

Maybe these dates aren’t HORRIBLE, but they are the worst I’ve been on. I don’t by any means regret any of them. They have taught me what I want from a man. I should never have to settle to anything less than flawless when it comes to dates. I want someone who is clearly into me, someone who is as into me as I am to them. I don’t want to play guessing games like I did in all of these instances. I firmly believe that you have to get through the worst to get to the best. So I guess part of the worst is over? At least I hope so.