Since August of last year, I’ve been coming to terms with my divorce, being single, sharing custody of my two children, and starting over in a new home of my own. It wasn’t easy, and it’s been downright lonely sometimes, not having someone to talk to and share my thoughts with.
I’ve worked hard, put in the effort, and finally I came to terms with my being by myself. I thought so, at least. Then I needed some work done in my house, so I asked on NextDoor for recommendations, and you were the first to reach out to me. So I scheduled a time for you to come out to take a look at the work to be done.
I opened the door, and there you stood. You smiled at me and said hi. I kid you not when I say that my heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t believe how beautiful you were. Your eyes were so amazing. Your smile was warm and inviting. Of course, I don’t want to be “that guy” and say anything. You were there for a job after all. And we didn’t know each other.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and you asked to call me about another job I needed done. We talked for a few hours on the phone, about more than just a job. I hate talking on the phone. But you made it easy. We talked about our failed marriages, and our kids. We talked about how we have a lot in common. I enjoyed it so much. I allowed myself to get hopeful.
But again, I didn’t want to be “that guy”, and I certainly didn’t want you to feel like my business hinged on my being attracted to you. You’ve done nothing wrong. But I can’t stop thinking about you, and hoping to find a natural opportunity to ask you to dinner. But should I? Worse yet, I may have to turn your quote down, because damn she’s expensive. I’m confused. Wouldn’t that be especially fucked up of me? It feels fucked up of me to consider it.
I feel like I do this to myself. I latch my feelings onto somebody I know I can’t be with, and I do it because it’s safer than putting myself out there in real life. I hype the person up so much in my mind, that I scare myself into believing that they would be abhorred at me if they found out. Maybe I do it because I believe deep down that I don’t deserve to be happy. That someone like her would have nothing to do with a guy like me.
This time, though, I feel it’s somehow different. I get butterflies thinking about her. I can’t remember the last time I had butterflies of any kind for someone. I genuinely feel like we have a lot in common. It feels right. And I want to deserve her. I want to be happy. What should I do?
You only get so many shots in life. Shoot your shot. If it’s a no, accept it graciously and move on.
“We talked for a few hours on the phone…” Dude, ask her out.
Exactly. I do not typically talk to my contractors on the phone for hours. I think it’s fair to assume that this opens the door to at least try giving it a shot without breaking etiquette.
I don’t know how much time that job takes, but if you ask her out after she completed it, she can just say no without having to see you again and without feeling like she has to say yes because of the ongoing job
Often times we get stuck in the what-if and it comes with a lot of anxiety and worry about trying to find the “right” thing to do or say. But what helps me is asking myself the question, “wouldn’t you rather know?”
I’ve been denied by many beautiful women and I’ve been accepted by others I never thought I’d have a chance with. The only ones that I regret are the ones I never had the courage to ask. Life’s short my friend, don’t burden yourself with worry and wonder. Give it a try, just ask her honestly and be ok with whatever the answer is.
If she just wants to help with the house? Great, you have a better chance of becoming friends now that you’re not worried about what she thinks of you. If she’s unsure or says yes, then just let things develop as they will. Worst case scenario, she doesn’t talk to you anymore…sad yes, but at least you can look for someone who wants you back!
