Coffee With a Stranger

After deciding, a few weeks back, that much of my unhappiness in life stemmed from loneliness, I've made an attempt to find new friends. I'm more direct and likely to start conversations with people I don't know. I'm trying really hard to be more cheerful and outgoing all the time; to see the positives in life.

But the big thing I've done is post several ads on local networking sites looking for a coffee drinking partner, or two. I posted only in the platonic section and asked for only female responses. The responses have been few and not very encouraging.

My first responder came across very strong; maybe a little strong. But we talked on the phone for over twenty minutes and set up a date (a few days later) to meet. The evening of the date, we had a storm that took down electricity in our area and she called to say she might still be able to make it, but she'd call me right back. I waited an hour before calling her. She didn't sound like she meant to contact me. We agreed to try again later, she never called/emailed me. Didn't respond to my emails.

The second woman and I exchanged at least ten emails and once again made plans to meet a few days later. As the time approached I tried to verify it with her, she never returned my emails. Never heard from her again.

Today, I got an email from Leticia, stating she too was a stay-at-home mom and could use a break. We agreed to meet up tonight. And we did.

It was a little awkward at first, after all, we are strangers. But she was smart, funny, and fun to hang out with. She has two girls, age four and seven. She is a civil engineer and finds being a full time stay-at-home mom stifling, as I do.

We exchanged basic information. Enjoyed our drinks. All and all, I don't think it could have gone better.

I'll keep you updated.