( continues...) agreed. The remaining folk gathered.

She tore out a sheet of paper and asked if people minded writing down their contact information in case we wanted to get in touch for any reason. At first, there were only a few of us, and we just wrote our stuff down on sheets of paper passed around, but as more people joined, it got kind of messy until she just gathered them all up and said she'd e-mail the info to everyone, as someone had suggested. I made a point to memorize her e-mail address anyway. I think I remember it correctly.

We played a couple rounds of Telestrations. People made noises about dinner, but I wasn't sure whether there was a strong consensus or a group outing. I hung around for Princess Dobbycry and walked out with her. I asked her where she was off to. She had to go back and turn off her yogurt machine because otherwise...I don't know how yogurt machines work. I said that although she had my contact information as part of all the sheets of paper, I wanted to give her my number on an individual basis. I handed her my card.

We walked down the street. She asked me what my hobbies were, and I realized I don't have any interesting or unique hobbies. Unless theatre counts, so I told her about that, along with the regular stuff. I asked about hers, and she liked reading and baking. Finally, she went her way and I went mine.

I know, I know. I was supposed to ask her for her number on an individual basis. I meant to. I wanted to. But it felt too pushy and forward and I'm new at this game. She hasn't e-mailed the contact information yet, so maybe she'll forget and I'll never hear from her ever. Unless I did remember her e-mail address correctly. I think I forgot all the advice you guys gave me except to be myself, which is the only thing I'm good at anyway, I guess. So I feel like I've failed and disappointed you guys.

So I feel like I've failed and disappointed you guys.

Dude, this was your first Nerd Dating event, right? It sounds like a success, especially given the skewed gender ratio.

Success doesn't have to be Definite Future Girlfriend. I think the fact that you went and had fun (it sounds like you did) and chatted up Princess Dobbycry qualifies as a social success.

It's like -- argh, I can't remember, are you a baseball fan/baseball knowledgable? -- it doesn't have to be a home run, especially your first time at bat. A base hit is pretty good. t edit (Which I don't mean as a "first base" metaphor! Yikes!)

And you definitely weren't the dude who streaks the field during the 7th inning stretch, so big plus there.

I know events like that create expectations of I Will Meet My Awesome Nerdy Partner, but even if that doesn't happen, it sounds like a nice time.

Besides, 24 hours haven't even passed -- give her some time to send that e-mail. Haven't you seen Swingers?

Seriously, there's no failure and disappointment, my friend. You went, you had fun, you chatted. It's all good.

Oh, Shir, thank heavens. Glad she's okay.

Truth be told, I'd be calmer now if I could speak with her directly. I know she's alive (and ill), but nothing more.

So I feel like I've failed and disappointed you guys.

And I now feel confused, as if you were writing one thing and I was reading another.

You went to an event that had some really weird gender balance. You had fun. You managed to be yourself in weird situations. And you walked out with someone, which sounds like a great ending to an interesting night, even if you didn't ask for her number. And hi - as a person who prefers the call the other side first, I always feel better when the choice and the initiative are in my hands.

I don't see disappointment nor failure there.

Sounds like a success to me, P.-C.! You went, you had fun, a girl talked to you, you didn't step in the guacamole. All good.

(Which I don't mean as a "first base" metaphor! Yikes!)

What's getting touched on the elbow? A bunt?

"Me too!" she said, and touched my elbow. Was it unconscious? Was it flirting?

Elbow touches are definitely mild flirting. A touch to the arm during conversation is considered Level 1 Intimacy.

What's getting touched on the elbow? A bunt?

Not just a bunt. But bunting for a base hit.

Let's put the baseball metaphors away. What it means is that you can email her once you get her email address.

And you might get an opportunity to take her out. To something like your Mission Tour, and Bi-Rite ice cream. During the day.

That's a low key kind of date.

Seriously, there's no failure and disappointment, my friend. You went, you had fun, you chatted. It's all good.

What Steph said, 100%. And as a woman, I will take a number more readily than I will give my number, from a safety standpoint. Even if nothing happens, it's like interviewing for a job that you're not even sure you want. It's good practice.

What smonster said.

Shir, tons of ~ma for your friends. I hope you're able to talk to her soon.

There is no energy to be found today. I just took a nap, and I already feel like I need another one.

By offering your contact rather than asking for hers you showed tact and consideration.

And as a woman, I will take a number more readily than I will give my number, from a safety standpoint.

Exactly.