Jeff and I started communicating – pretty heavily – straight out of the chute. Rapid fire progression – email – to IM – to phone calls & texts – right away. I’m a fan of unbridled enthusiasm so, the eagerness was okay with me. It was Christmas week and apparently, his office was closed down for 2 weeks leaving him with all sorts of free time. I, on the other hand, had to work both weeks, 3 days each week. We spoke about many things – like: he was the father of a boy that lived up north. He proudly declared that he paid $750/month in child support. He asked me about my situation which is, my son’s father lives in FL. I informed him that I do not receive support because my Ex is a complete loser that can’t hold a job and has perhaps sent me a total of $1,000 in the last 11 years. I tried explaining that I have pursued the issue but, it’s like getting blood from a stone. I also assured him (for whatever reason) that I make a decent living and that my child wants for nothing. I found it odd that Jeff was so interested in my lack of child support but, “whatever!”. Jeff expressed exhaustion and disillusionment with online dating and had in fact, resigned his account the day after we first spoke. He said he wanted a “real” woman – and no more “games”. Sometimes he would go off on tangents, but I blamed my sometimes poor listening skills for not being able to follow. We texted a bit throughout the next days, which I like – to a certain extent. He called me at 9:00pm on Christmas – which I didn’t like (I let it go to Voicemail). Perhaps I have a hang-up about Holidays being the domain of those we actually “know” (vs. those whom we have yet to meet face to face in a first time, online dating situation). But being ever-forgiving, I overlooked what I regarded as an intrusion on my family’s evening. We texted playfully the next day – he was having family over for a bbq. I offered that we should meet the next day – Sunday sometime. He said he was busy. I told him that I wouldn’t be available again until Friday due to work and other obligations. Then I received what could only be described as a “tirade text”. “See…this is what I’m talking about. I’m so sick of all these games women play. I’m looking for a real woman. This is so typical.” (I pictured him frothing at the mouth while texting furiously) I felt the urge to defend myself: “I offered Sunday but you are busy. It’s the holidays. Don’t be mad because I’m busy – that’s stupid.” His frothy retort: “Yeah…this is typical. I need a real woman that can handle real life. I’m so sick of the games.” It became immediately clear this man was one taco shy of a combo plate. I wrote: “Thanks for the heads up. You might be insane.” His response? Wait for it… “I’m not insane. I pay my child support.”
Oh snap! He got me there…
