I found date #4 on OkCupid. Chad. Italian, good looking, good job.

I downloaded the dating app after a friend suggested it and matched with Chad in the morning. Three messages later and we had our date for the evening: Walking George in Treptow Park, potentially followed by a glass of wine.

The evening was wonderful. We went for a long walk, sat by the river, visited the Red Army Monument (very impressive) and had a glass of wine at a hole-in-the-wall Italian place just around the corner of where I live (“so that you don’t have to walk back too far”). Overall, we had just such a relaxed time. Plus another great tour of Berlin! Plus Chad, who was very sweet.

During our walk, we ran into a family with a small child. The child really wanted to pet George. We stopped and made him sit, so that she could come closer. Chad was a natural with George. I was standing on the sideline watching him, George and the kid. I couldn’t help but think that this is what I want. A caring husband who’d likely put me first most of the time, loves animals and children. And can be so in the moment with them. For a split second I forgot about my very long “husband checklist”. And was really happy.

So yes, more might follow…if my ego (or my rational brain?) doesn’t get in the way and reminds me of all the boxes Chad might not have checked.