Since I starting sleeping later and switched my swimming schedule, I’ve noticed two attractive swimmers who swim at the same time. Since most of my fellow swimmers are 20+ years older than me, when another swimmer is closer to my age, tan and fit, she stands out.
I had the chance to speak to one of them last week for a brief exchange before we each jumped in. The other, I have not yet had the opportunity to catch at the side of the pool.
If you had asked me a month ago if I wanted to date, I’d have answered “not really.”
At the time, that was true.
But lately, I’ve been thinking and dreaming about my wife a lot. Then in the morning as I’m working out, my mind will wander around thinking about my wife, my girlfriends before her, romance, companionship and good memories.
Today it hit me.
I am ready to try again.
My approach is to keep my eye open for opportunities (or possibilities) with women whom I see regularly and am attracted to. If our conversations lead to any type of connection and they are not married (or otherwise partnered up), these are the women I will ask out.
There’s no urgency on my part.
As I wrote a few days ago, it would be nice to have someone to watch the Super Bowl with, to hold, to walk the dogs with and to share some time together.
I miss that.
I don’t think I want to be companionless for the rest of my life. Or at least, I’m not willing to give up trying.
What I don’t miss is dating apps and the accompanying “blind” first date/interviews. I don’t miss trying to use profile answers and photos to “sell myself”. I don’t miss clicking through dozens of unappealing prospects hoping the one or two I “like” respond to me.
So I have no intention of using apps or going on those kind of blind first dates.
As for the pool women, at least I know we share something in common – a commitment to fitness and an enjoyment of swimming. With any luck, perhaps we’ll connect on something more.
And if not, that’s OK too. I’m in no rush.