Last summer when it was really hot, my (not at all my type) neighbor offered to take me stand up paddle (SUP) boarding.
It was my first time trying SUP in the ocean, and I loved it so much more than going in the boring old bay or lake. It was challenging and I kept falling and I rode a wave in and got sea sick.
We went twice, and the second time, he started making some noise about how I’m a cool chick cause I like sports and camping and getting dirty but I’m pretty and every guy I know must be in love with me. Then he asked me to breakfast.
UGH. NO.
And then he started conveniently showing up every damn time I was walking my dog or trying to write under a tree in the park or sitting on the grass enjoying the sunset. He asked me at least 5 more times to go, I said no every time.
AND THEN.
I got a message from him on that online dating site. Something like hey, I saw your profile and kind of know you in real life and didn’t want to be creepy (TOO LATE). And p.s. I had fun those few times we went out and I like what you said about you believe you can achieve anything you want in life, me too. Do you want to bike, hike, or SUP soon?
I read the message, then promptly screamed into my pillow and checked our shared wall for peepholes. I wasn’t sure how to respond. To be honest, I would love to go paddle boarding with him…if that’s all I thought he were interested in. Every guy friend of mine says no, he’s not just trying to be your friend. Guys don’t do that. And Boo, who runs into him all the time, who sees how conveniently he shows up where I/we am/are, and says he’s creepy.
I planned to ignore his message, but that’s kind of what I’ve been doing with him in general and he’s not going away. So, after the advice of a few friends, I simple wrote “no thanks.”
I felt like the world’s biggest bitch. I wanted to put a smiley or soften it, but everyone said he would read into it.
He replied, “Okay, thanks.”
Naturally, I ran into him right when I got home. He was on the phone, so I waved in passing and that was that.
The boundaries were finally set.
The door is closed to the boy who would take me paddle boarding, but maybe also on the avoiding, hiding, evading.
And, even though it was out of my comfort zone, it felt damn good to just speak the truth. And aint nothing wrong with the truth.
thecrazyoflove 