The wedding date

So there I was.... surrounded... by strangers in a church, and it occurred to me: Being a wedding date can really suck sometimes. Mind you, not this particular time, but sometimes yes. (In this fashion, I mean, YOU aren't the one invited - you are the DATE, the plus one, the significant other, the extra entree... whatever.)

Furthermore, I have this thing against dates - I've gotten over it as my boyfriend's wallet can vouch. BUT I used to hate them.

These are some various reasons why:
1. It's an initial interview - and that's not really who you are, so I feel like its a waste of time. I.e. I don't usually wear makeup or heels... why would i do it for a first date? Because I am sheep.
2. I have to eat in front of you, meaning you have to eat in front of me AND maintain a conversation, without awkward flow. (Oh and NO I don't order a salad as an entree unless I really want a salad for an entree... screw you, I'm hungry)
3. I can't get away from you if you are a terrible conversationalist.
4. I can't get away from you if you drove.
5. The end of the date... does anyone really know how to get out of that? I mean, I usually make a point to talk about the end of the date so that I don't have to think about it later.... or I just run away from you. <----always works

Well, wedding dates are always a little awkward to begin with because you are at a sacred ceremony tying two people together for life (which as you know, gets me a little nervous anyway.)

Hey would you like to join me at an occasion where love and forever is the topic of conversation with family members and priests (or deacons, judges etc.) even though I don't know you that well....

Now, I've been a wedding date twice... the first time, it was a STUPID STUPID idea. I went with this guy, who I did not know that well, because he had just moved to Tally (and occasionally my brain shuts off and I forget that sometimes I don't have to be nice.... stupid manners) and it was for a wedding where I knew NO ONE, because he was OLD friends with the bride and groom, like he knew them 10 years ago or something. There wasn't even a middle person to talk with because HE didn't really know anyone... but not only that but the guy was AWKWARD anyway... I mean, I wasn't interested in him like that, I thought I was just being a friend because that's how he phrased the "wedding date question", but NOPE.
He wanted some Theen.

Great so now.
a - at a wedding where I know NO ONE except my awkward date.
b - trapped with a guy that might make a move, thinking I'm one of those girls who's underwear falls off at the sight of a white dress. (yeah he really didn't think this one through)

So what did I do??

I went to the bar. And to my surprise, they were older men. Yup, that's who I made friends with. The older men were the best "make a move" repellent ever. Yes, people, I found an out. Men don't want to look like asses in front of OLDER men.

I didn't move from that spot once, til we were leaving, which I made as soon as I could without being rude. And yes, by that point, the "time to make a move" passed because "I was pooped". :)

For the record, it was beautiful, but when beautiful mixes with uncomfortable, weird, awkward... well it's like that joke. "You build a million bridges, you're a bridge builder... but you suck one dick...."

HOWEVER, I can honestly say that I enjoyed my last "wedding date" experience. The people were awesome and outgoing so that helped. But really there are a few things that I really need to mention to get the juices flowing for those "dates": guys listen up. (Girls, well you know what to do)

1. Open bar - the answer is always yes. (Or in most of my cases, a date that knows to keep your beverage filled - if it's cash bar, boys pony up.)
2. Correct table pairing. This matters, I had the greatest people at my table. They laughed and my jokes, THEY were funny, they agreed to take shots... :)
3. A DJ that takes requests and can keep people alive.

Nothing like dancing, with a drink in your hand, with your new friends, singing "FREE FALLING".

Oh, and having an understanding boyfriend helps. By that I mean strong... and able to lift your body and carry you to the house...