Call Me Shaniqua Jackson

Back in October, I wrote about a blind date I went on with my coworker's cousin. (You can read that story here) We attended a Murder Mystery Dinner, and unfortunately, my night wasn't quite as enjoyable as I would have hoped. While on the date, I met my coworker's brother who we will call Tyrone. I didn't talk to him much that night, and since he was dressed like a mechanic from the 20s, I never actually saw what he looked like. However, when I got to work the next week, my coworker informed me that Tyrone thought I was cute and wanted to ask me out. I didn't have any objections, so I told her she could give him my number.

A few weeks later, Tyrone called me and asked me out. That weekend we went to dinner, bowling, and croqueting (is that even a word?). Let me just say, I have NEVER been treated better on a date. Every door was opened for me, we went to a really nice restaurant, he complimented me on my outfit, and he told me how exciting and great all my life plans and ideas were. By the end of the night he'd spent over $60 dollars on me. I've never had anyone spend that much money on me on a first date. I'm definitely not high maintenance and would be perfectly happy with a date that didn't cost anything, so this was a little overwhelming for me! Anyway, the point is Tyrone was one of the sweetest guys I've ever met.

As great as this all sounds, Tyrone and I were just too different from each other for anything to happen. Mostly, I don't think he understood my sense of humor. For example, when we went bowling I told him we should make up names for each other. He didn't know what to choose so I suggested we pick black names. He stood there for a minute, then turned to me in utter confusion and said, "Like...the race???" I said, something like, "Well, you know like Shaniqua, or something like that." Obviously still confused he turned back to the computer and said, "Oh, okay...right." After a few moments, he still couldn't come up with anything, so he suggested I enter his name first. I named him something ridiculous and stupid like Jareniqua Tyrone. He then confidently declared, "Okay, I got a good one." His choice: Shaniqua Jackson. He clearly still had no idea what I meant, repeated my example of Shaniqua, and then pulled Jackson out of who knows where. Michael Jackson, maybe? He was black...well you know, sort of.

Unfortunately for Tyrone, the nice guy did finish last this time. But he'll be great for someone, just not me.

And hopefully, I'll be great for someone someday too.

Until then,
The Cautious Charmer