In With The Old...

I wrote in a previous post that I have really put myself out there to try to find that someone special with whom to have a family. Included in my methods were blind dates, set ups by friends, going to events specifically designed for singles and the dreaded Internet Dating Site! (Cue ominous music...Dum, dum, dum!!!)
I started out on a site that is super popular in the Washington DC area called JDate - the Jewish online dating site. It was a perfect place for me to start as I had just started my conversion and I wanted to meet Jews in the area. Plus, I felt safer knowing that several friends had used the site without any major issues.
The first time I went on the site when I was 37, I found a few interesting candidates around my age.

JDate #1: A man in his early 40's met me for drinks/dinner at Rio Grande in Bethesda. Three minutes in, I knew this was NOT the man for me. He said he was 42 but this guy wasn't a day under 50. He was loud, obnoxious and completely in love with himself. He seemed to think this obnoxious behavior was perceived by others as him being "funny." The worst part had to be that he thought the date went great and asked to see me again. When I said no, he proceeded to call me a bitch.

JDate #2: A man in his mid-thirties who also met me at Rio Grande, but a different location. This guy was possibly the dullest person with whom I've ever spent time. I don't want to be unnecessarily cruel about him - he seemed kind hearted and polite - but I couldn't stop yawning and feeling as if my eyes were weighted. This lunch seemed as thought it would never end.

I almost quit right there. Then the next phase clicked in...every 25 year old on the site began emailing and instant messaging me! When I told them I was too old for them I got the "age is just a number" reply. This went on for weeks. It got to the point where I got no interest from men my age but I was overrun with Jewish dudes under 30 and over 60! Brutal!
I finally broke down and went out with one of the 25 year old guys.

Itsik is Israeli, had only been in the U.S. about two years and was working at the Israeli Embassy at the time. I'd given him my phone number on a particularly low Thursday because he was being so sweet trying to cheer me up on instant messager. Then he called and talked me into meeting him for a drink. What harm could it do? I'd meet him for one drink and we're out. But he insisted on picking me up at home. I wasn't totally comfortable with it, but again, my defenses were down.
It happened when I opened the door. I fell. Hard. He was adorable. Going out for drinks only made it worse. He was sweet and charming and hilarious! I'm sure it has something to do with having to serve in the Israeli Army at 18 no matter what, but he certainly had perspective beyond his years. In a haze of margaritas and laughter, I forgot he was 25. Drinks turned into dinner which turned into a good night kiss. I was smitten. And best of all, he gave me hope that I may still find a connection in this world.