It just seems a whole lot of people I know in long term relationships weren't looking for that to happen at the beginning.

But I bet the number of people not in long term relationships and aren't looking for it is even bigger. The exceptions are more memorable than entire lifestyles. I've probably said "no" enough times to make up for every exception listed here so far, and then some.

I remember having this conversation before when discussing St. W and I feel weird having it again. I don't know how else to describe my flinching, but I'm pretty sure I'm standing in ita's corner. I don't know how helpful it is to give wonderful examples of how we found our wonderful soulmates because.... of.... reasons? Note: I am much more guilty of this in many, many in-person conversations than anyone else (I am assuming) so I don't want to sound judgy and attacking, because that's so not what I'm meaning to do.

I just feel very uncomfortable providing anything that looks like false hope with what I know are the best of intentions.

Ugh, I'm not saying this right.

I understand, Nora. You're not being judgy.

Nora - let's say someone was noodling on a trip to NO sometime around mid-September. There's a really good deal right now for the French Quarter Wyndham. ($169 for two nights.) Is that a reasonablish place to stay or should I wait to see what else might come along?

Link in case anyone else is interested: [link]

Thanks, Laura. Both you and Scrappy are so awesome with the clearly awesome soulmates, and I didn't want to come across wrong.

I am perhaps beings touch ridiculously protective of the not-needing-my-protection smonster.

Yes, that's a good deal for a good hotel.

YAY PEOPLE VISITING NEW ORLEANS IN MID-SEPTEMBER!!

Oh, man--sorry, smonster if I was treating you like a delicate ickle flower--I was using your name as an example with whom we are emotionally invested, that's all. I got your back if you need it, but I know you got dibs on calling your own shots (or your own zipless fucks or lobster-hunting, whichever).

Hello Bitches! I'm coming up for air after being BURIED in work (we're getting a new website up and running) and a long-term bad reaction to a vaccination.

Trying to catch up ....

I understand, Nora. I'm not trying to say that a person should hang on even when a datee says they aren't into a "relationship" but I see it sounded that way. I only mean that we can't expect all people to be perfectly clear about what they're looking for when we first meet them because THEY may not be clear.

Todd! I hope that the being buried is still with the new improved boss.

There's a really good deal right now for the French Quarter Wyndham. ($169 for two nights.)

Hmmm, I was just talking to my son Brendon yesterday about my promised trip with him to New Orleans. He is a big jazz fan and I told him after he turned 21 we would go to NOLA together so that he could properly listen to jazz, as in with appropriate cocktail in hand. I did tell him it would have to wait until after summer because I am not so fond of tromping around the Quarter in July. So let me know and maybe I'll make a plan too!