"Timing is Everything"

 

A first date between two people that met at a gas station. 

As Calvin sat across from Marie, gazing into her sparkling eyes, he knew that this date was going to be special. They chatted and laughed over dinner, sipping on glasses of red wine, enjoying each other's company. Everything seemed perfect until Marie suddenly turned serious and asked Calvin a question that I was dreading. When she asks about his exes, Calvin knows he needs to tread carefully. But can he really explain how timing and circumstances played a role in their demise?

"How long did your previous relationships last?"

Calvin heart skipped a beat as I contemplated how to respond. Should I tell her the truth and risk scaring her off or should I play it safe and lie? As I opened my mouth to speak, she interrupted him.

"Wait, don't answer that. Let me tell you a story first."

Marie took a deep breath and began to recount a tale of heartbreak and betrayal. Calvin listened intently as she revealed how she had been in a long-term relationship with a guy who had cheated on her multiple times. Marie spoke about the pain she had gone through, the trust she had lost and the time it had taken for her to heal.

After a few moments of silence, Marie turned back to Calvin and said, "So, how about you? What have your relationships been like?"

It felt a weight lift off Calvin shoulders as he realized that he didn't have to lie or share too much. Calvin simply replied, "I've had a few relationships that have taught me a lot, but I'm still looking for someone special."

Marie smiled at Calvin and reached across the table to hold my hand. In that moment, he knew that Marie was different. She didn't judge me for my past and instead, she accepted me for who he was. They talked for hours more, laughing and enjoying each other's company until it was time to go home.

As Calvin walked Marie to her car, he knew that he wanted to see her again. And, as they said their goodbyes, Marie turned to Calvin and asked, "So, what do you say we go out again?"