more rules

My regular readership is aware that there are rules that must be followed when one is on a first date if my affections are desired. After a date this evening, an addendum has been created:

18. Do not discuss your mental illness, especially if it is so severe that you are unable to work and are are applying for SSDI.
19. Do not be the ubernerd. I do like my boys nerdy, but a boy may have at most one of the following characteristics:
- a love of physics, so much so that he does physics problems for fun
- a devotion to science fiction and fantasy novels
- a social calendar in which rennaissance festivals and society for creative anarchronism shindigs are among the highlights
- a habit of listening to progrock for at least 3 hours a day
20. Do not talk about cock rings.
21. Have something planned for us to do. Wandering around window shopping and stopping for coffee does not a good date make. There must be activity, such as a movie (cliche, but anything's progress), that will provide a break from conversation for a bit and provide us with a new topic to discuss.

I now feel like I have proof that I can engage anyone in interesting conversation for a few hours. I think that's a great skill.

I handled the end of the date gracefully. I am very proud of myself for that. When he asked to see me again, I told him of how I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I'm leaving Portland in 2 months. It was direct and predominantly true. He was quite understanding. We might hang out as friends. . . or we might not.