I forgot to mention on my last post that J. brought me flowers on the second date.

My nails had pink polish on the first date, and he complimented them.  I mentioned liking pink nail polish and he assumed I liked all things pink. 

So he chose pink flowers. I appreciated the gesture. It is always special to receive flowers, no matter what color.

We are going on the 3rd date tonight.  We haven’t decided where to go yet, as I am not sure what time I will be able to leave work.  He mentioned dinner and a movie again, but I think it will be too much since I have to be up very early tomorrow.

He reaches out every day, and continues to say all the right things.  I am still skeptical, but I plan on:

• Proceed with caution, but not forget to enjoy the moment  
• Speak up – Say what I need and want. Don’t expect him to read my mind.
• Ask questions  – when is doubt, ask.  If something is bothering, talk about it
• Keep fear and doubts at bay – Not let the fear of getting hurt sabotage a potential good thing.  Acknowledge the fear, but not let it paralyze me. 
• Not look at everything as a red flag.  Don’t assume the worst.  Look and assess the evidence.
• Listen to my instincts – they are very good at guiding me.

“THE WEATHER OF LOVE

Love
Has a way of wilting
Or blossoming
At the strangest,
Most unpredictable hour.
This is how love is,
An uncontrollable beast
In the form of a flower.
The sun does not always shine on it.
Nor does the rain always pour on it
Nor should it always get beaten by a storm.
Love does not always emit the sweetest scents,
And sometimes it can sting with its thorns.
Water it.
Give it plenty of sunlight.
Nurture it,
And the flower of love will
Outlive you.
Neglect it or keep dissecting it,
And its petals will quickly curl up and die.
This is how love is,
Perfection is a delusional vision.
So love the person who loves you
Unconditionally,
And abandon the one
Who only loves you
Under favorable
Conditions.”
― Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem