Roger Retail

Age: 31
Height: 6'5"
Occupation: Manager at a Rogers Video

Roger is one guy that I actually spoke to more than once on the phone. In fact, I think we talked about three times. The last time, for a couple of hours (although, he kept having to phone me back because he had potential roommates coming to see his apartment). He seemed like a nice enough guy, even though a good chunk of our last conversation included several minutes of discussion on "Family Guy".

We arranged to meet for dinner (I know, not something I do on a first meeting, but he doesn't drink coffee). He had mentioned on the phone that he was feeling really chatty, as sometimes he didn't really have much to say at all. I found that hard to believe, because he did talk. A lot.

I got to the restaurant first and, since there were plenty of seating options, I sat in the lobby to wait for him. I didn't have to wait more than a couple of minutes; when I looked out the window onto the street, I could see him crossing. He's hard to miss. I stood up to say hello and he gave me an awkward, one-armed hug to greet me. It was interesting.

We sat down and immediately commented on the awkwardness of the seating arrangement. It was one of those crescent-shaped booths where it would be weird to sit beside each other but it would be strange sitting on the outer-seats of the booth and leave the huge gap between us. We opted for sitting in the curve, so we were kind of sitting next to each other, but we could see as if we were across.

Conversation at first was me asking lots of questions and him answering. In fact, I think that's the way I generally deal with people who I don't think will be great conversationalists. He has the same philosophy as me about intial dates, though - interviews aren't fun. It's more interesting to find out about each other by just talking. I know he loves Pearl Jam and a band call the Ours. He doesn't have a car and he lives in Kits. He's originally from Penticton and moved here about 8 year ago. He has two sisters. We both had dessert. He loves weird fun facts and has several of them to share.

We sat and ate and talked for two hours and then I had to suggest we get up and head out. He didn't want to take the bull by the horns and end the date. Or maybe he just didn't know how. He walked me part way to the train station and then he once again gave me an awkward half-hug and then after two seconds, put the other arm around me, and then said he'd give me a call.

I see potential in the conversation getting better. I just don't know if he'll actually call.