Rule No. 12: Sometimes names are changed to protect the innocent...or not so innocent.

It was a toss up between Christina and Bonny as my name. I was named Christina, because according to my mother, it sounded like a unique name.  Ha!  I ended up going to school with a few Christinas, one of which lived down the street from me, spelled her name the EXACT same way, and whose birthday was just 3 days before mine.  

No I don't have a black book with names and stars by those names.  There's no spreadsheet listing names and ratings.

Last December, Mr. Wonderful walked back in my life.  Mr. Wonderful because he possesses all the qualities I look for.  As in any new relationship, there are those stages, but the comfortability is there. He does have an actual name, which I like saying, but for now he's Mr. Wonderful.  And I like the way he says my name.  Names such as honey, dear, and babe have been bounced around.  He makes / inspires me to do things I've never thought of doing.  On our most recent date, he mentioned jumping out of an airplane.  Now, while I may not jump out of one, I might do the iFly with him.  I also get excited about camping with him.  We have many things in common.

 After I got my feet wet in the dating pool, I gave guys names.  Until I was sure about them, or it wasn't just casual, one time kind of thing date.  It wasn't that I didn't like their names, but it was easier when I'd talk to my friends.  Plus it became entertaining.  Sometimes the name is what they do, or something about their personality, or what they wore.  

First dip in the Tinder pool was with a guy we'll call Electrician guy. (he had a different name but to further protect the innocent....) I don't know why I agreed to meet him for a drink.  He was not my type at all.  And I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me just what a Tinder date is. Ha! Have a good laugh.  We texted back and forth and he eventually disappeared.  Never to be heard from again.  

The next few "dates" from Tinder seemed to blend (more like blur) together.  There was Law Guy who worked as a computer forensics at a law firm.  He actually planned a date at a nice restaurant. We had things in common, but in the end, no sparks, no chemistry, and the fastest (well second fastest) good-bye I've ever experienced.  Again, several texts after the "meet and greet," but nothing substantial.  I somehow figured even mentioning I looked forward to seeing him again scared him. He was gone just as fast as his kiss on the cheek good-bye.  

Oh, then there was Sport Coat Boy.  Now outwardly he appeared normal.  We thought along the same lines.  He dressed okay as far as I could tell.  The only things that gave him away and bothered me were he stared at the game instead of me on the only date.  He lived at home (which no, is not a total deal breaker, but a downer) and somewhat looked like he lived in his truck.  He, too, was after one thing and made it somewhat clear.  I thought I'd see him again, only to be fooled.  

What is that saying?  Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.  

Oh, these must not be forgotten. Two Mr. Fifty Shades. One more harsher than the other. I actually passed one of them today on my walk at lunch.  The more handsome one; the harsher one. The second Mr. Fifty Shades wanted a blended version. What?!  Yes I was intrigued, but not enough to go forward with either of them.  When the conversation sounds like an interview, hmm, that's a little strange.  

Can't forget the pilot.  Arrogant.  Baby mama drama.  He had the fastest good-bye.  He started walking me to my car, but not even halfway, he darted off the other direction.  Disappeared into the night.

Then there was the singles group.  Goodness!  Single Peeps (I'll leave out the name to protect the innocent!)  Although just Single Peeps doesn't say much about it.  I met a couple of good guys in the group. There was the PBF (yes there is such a thing...in Single Peep land)....meaning "Pretend Boyfriend." Explanation for another time.  PBF...that's what I'll call him.  Distance kept us apart, also he worked nights, and I worked days.  But he surprised me at my 5k and felt comfortable to sit and have breakfast with me and my girlfriends afterwards.  Good, grounded guy.  Superman v2 was sprinkled somewhere in there.   According to sources, had the reputation of a player.  

The last one takes the cake.  We'll call him Game Boy, to protect the real name I gave him.  However, he's the one (before Mr. Wonderful) I dated the longest.  It started at the Rodeo cook off last year. Then he latched on to me for the next month.  The one and only night I was at his house, I felt like one of his roommates (oh it gets better) friend (a woman) was going to steal my  jean jacket if I took it off.   That was just the start.  Too many issues to count.  I woke up and realized it wasn't what I wanted.

There were a few more;  Superman v1, the horny neighbor, the confused one, not to mention the one who stood me up.....the coward.  But I think I have found my own "Mr. Big."

I suppose I gave these men names because I knew they were just passing through.  And when I look back, my friends and I can laugh about the Pilot, Superman, the Gerkin (oops revealed the real name), knowing they were just tests (lessons) before I happened upon  the real thing.