“That would only happen to you,” my girlfriend laughingly said as I had just rushed back into the bar and relayed what had transpired outside. When initially making plans for this evening, she was hesitant to meet in the part of town where we typically do because “everyone knows you and it makes it difficult to get through a conversation.” While on one hand, this statement made me feel like a celebrity, on the other, I felt kinda crummy as I pride myself on intentional presence. So we agreed upon another part of town, where the odds of me knowing anyone were far less. We walked into the bar and it was packed with almost all age-appropriate, seemingly successful men. It was like the Universe was testing me to be present. Haha.

We got a table in the bar area and one of the guys at a neighboring table made a welcoming type, funny comment. Basically offering to switch tables as they knew the guys on the other side of us, but said he would prefer our company. Even though I was aware of the surrounding environment, I was truly present and locked in on the conversation with my girlfriend. I had also just started seeing someone so wasn’t looking to meet someone else. When a group walked out, she said, “that guy was staring at you the entire time. Watched you walk to the restroom and back to the table. Barely took his eyes off of you since we’ve been here.” “Which guy?,” I asked. She motioned to the seat that had just been emptied. I turned to look and noticed his cell phone on the table. Like a superhero, I leapt to action, grabbed his phone and ran outside. He and his buddy were across the street, walking to the parking lot, and I yelled, “hey!” They turned and I held up the phone. This was the same guy that had talked to us when we arrived. He walked over, with a big smile, thanked me, and we introduced ourselves. As we stood in the street he said, “you are so unbelievably gorgeous. Is there any chance you would ever go out with me?” Wow. Here is a guy that did not let a moment pass him by. And it was a very rom-com kind of moment.

I thanked him, and said that I was newly dating someone. He shared that he was recently out of something. I asked if he had a card, in case things change with my situation, and he didn’t. As he did now have his phone, but mine was inside, I gave him my number. When I got back to the table, I saw the text from him with his name. Fast forward a bit of time, and we are meeting for a drink this week. On one hand, I feel like I know less about him than someone on an app. On the other, we met in real life. I could see he had a lot of friends. Social. Fun. But most importantly, he seized a moment. I have no idea if when he left the restaurant, he regretted not talking to me. Maybe. Maybe not. But when presented with an opportunity to know me, he took it. That is so attractive. Making it happen.

How many moments do we let pass us by? From not striking up a conversation with an attractive stranger to not sharing your feelings. Not seizing the opportunity to be vulnerable. By doing nothing, nothing happens. And one day there is no longer an option to do something. It’s like when you are debating ordering the grilled artichoke, only to find out that it is sold out, or you waited so long that it’s no longer in season. Be brave. Make the move. Who knows what will happen? It will be something and won’t be nothing. The guy who took a chance in the middle of the street? I have no idea if there will be anything there, but he definitely deserves a shot. XO