I went on a date

Why do people do this

“It's not that I don't like people. It's just that when I'm in the company of others - even my nearest and dearest - there always comes a moment when I'd rather be reading a book.”

― Maureen Corrigan

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I asked a lot of questions about his work. I was curious. Neuro-something researcher. It’s interesting.

I sipped my drink and thought, I am having an okay time.

Not a great time. Not a bad time. Okay. The drink was good.

He told me about growing up far away, why he came to St. Louis, his life trajectory. What he misses about home. His family. I asked a lot of questions. I’m used to interviewing people.

I drew the shape of my life, just the outline, minimal sketch. A few details.

I’m a writer, I said.

I started reading when I was 4 and I’ve kept a journal since I was 10 and besides being a rockstar or an assassin or a rockstar assassin, being a writer is all I’ve ever wanted to do, and when I don’t write I feel deflated, somehow less of myself.

I have kids, I said.

And this huge portion of my heart exists with them, outside my body. The fact that they are alive and here on earth with me is astounding. Also, they’re all funnier than you.

I love reading.

Books have made me feel at home since I was a child. The world has always confused me. How people are. The choices we make. How we say things and mean different things and so many times I lose the translation. But words on a page hold still and let me see them.

I love nature, long walks, being outdoors, trees, hiking.

This is where I feel at home, no matter where I am. This is how I remember myself. This is what grounds me. This is how I feel safe. This is how I worship.

Love music, yep. Sure do.

Which is like saying I love breathing or isn’t oxygen great.

He said, “What about films? Do you enjoy movies, television?”

Oh, well…I mean, I do… but I tend to fall asleep, I said.

“What?!” His face was shocked. He sputtered a little bit. “I mean, if you don’t like cinema, like films, what do you do? For enjoyment, for relaxing?”

Fall asleep, I guess. Kinda like I’m doing now.