Horrible Flashback - Francesca

This post would be completely unnecessary if people followed the following rules for casual dating, Internet style.

1. If you aren't into the other person-be up front about it. We all have different things we are into, and different things that we aren't into. You can click with someone via text, email or IM, but in person realize they are a transgendered midget, which is something you just can't align into your turnon column. That's fine....we all have our quirks, and I don't expect everyone to think I'm the cat's meow...this is the online dating age...let's not waste each other's time.

2. If you don't talk to someone for awhile, delete their number. I'm afflicted with ADD, and don't treat it with medicine. Therefore, I have a ridiculously short attention span. This translates to dating-you gotta keep my attention, or you're cast aside. I clear out my phone every other week to remove people I'm no longer talking to. (Seriously, around here, there are a million Ryans, Joes, and Anthonys...I can't keep my phone book straight). I think it's fair to assume that after a couple months, the opportunity has left the building, especially if rule #1 was followed.

3. I think this is the most important. If the other person is not into you, let it go. Don't assault them with questions why, don't try to convince them otherwise, don't promise to change. Seriously, if you have to change this much for a person you hardly know if you like, you have a lot of issues.

This brings me to last night. I was kicking back on the last night of date-free week (also known as my mom was in town), watching the benign Deal or No Deal and planning the rest of my week with potential dates. As I mentioned, mom was in town, so texting was the modis operandi.

Suddenly, I get a text from a number I don't recognize...after a bit of back and forth, I realize it's Tomas. The guy from a year ago that sent me about 500 text messages in 3 days and was a total douche. The one I was so happy to be rid of. The one who, like the ninja, refuses to go away...seriously...as soon as you think you're in the clear, he just pops out. This is how the conversation went:

Him: How have you been?
Me: Who is this?
Him: So, have you been well?
Me: Who is this?
Him: This is Tom...from Worcester
Me: How do I know you?
Him: I think we hung out like a yr ago...just found ur number and figure id see how u were (**Aside-I HATE text speak. I have one of those full keyboard phones, so I could be off the mark, but seriously? We're not 14. Spell the freaking words)
Me: Oh, you.
Him: I think I acted as a jerk a little...sorry
Me: A little? You were pretty bad
Him: Lol ya...I remmeber being buzzed and being rude
Me: I was pretty clear...I am not interested.
Him: Life's a lil diff now...didn't know if u wanted to grab a drink sometime...if ur single
Me: I am single...but you aren't what I was looking for then or now.
Him: Are you sure? You are missing out.

Okay...seriously? A year later? I followed Rule 1. He broke all the others. I don't know if it's my overly wide net for dating people (I'm a girl...a free beer is still a free beer) or if I let things get this bad to entertain others, but moments like this make me scream. If this is nothing but a public service announcement for others, please, understand, we only heckle you and get annoyed...these are not good associations. Oh well, on to more dates with new people...it can only get more interesting.