(Read first date: #11) Well, it’s such a classic tale. Perfect on paper, but just not quite the right chemistry, eh? After date #1 with perfect-on-paper guy, I thought we would be ideal matches for each other. Both loved cycling, hiking, both into international development, both tech backgrounds, smart, focused on impact. Even the conversation split was an even 50-50! I looked forward to seeing him again. The only open question in my mind was the chemistry; he was a bit awkward, and at times we both ran out of things to say. First date jiggers, right?

Lesson learned: listen to nagging feelings!

First knock: terrible follow up. I kept being inclusive and inviting him to things, and he always had a different excuse — work, family, sick, injury. I didn’t doubt him, but still it wasn’t a good sign. I eventually wrote him off as uninterested, but sent a “one last chance” text indicating I didn’t think he was interested in anything romantic.

Second knock: a guy who only jumps when it’s “his last chance.” He instantly made himself available and we set a date for 2 days later.

Third knock: dominating conversation again. What the?? I thought we had solved this – he was perfectly great on the first date. But now, he couldn’t care about anything I said, got bored whenever I spoke, just wanted to hear himself talk. I was about to call it quits after an hour, but…

Fourth knock: someone who’s not interested in your words, just in kissing you. Hm. I thought he was bored of me, where did this come from? It seemed to be the only reason he was interested in being there with me. And he seemed confused when I gave any indication of surprise.

Fifth knock: having a strong goodbye and suggesting we meet again in 2 days, and then never texting you ever again. Huh? Fickle? Berlin dating scene? Wrong priorities?

I don’t know the right label, but this one is going into the NO bucket! Sigh.