Seven days of yes: A hidden gem
ArtisHENDERSON sandydays@florida-weekly.com
Near the end of my week-long foray into the world of "yes," I was beginning to have my doubts. Inspired by author Maria Headley's "The Year of Yes," I decided to accept every invitation for a full seven days. Headley's experiment earned her the relationship trifecta (love, marriage, and children) and - on a broader scale - taught the value of being more open-minded when it comes to affairs of the heart. I was hoping for the best, but so far had little luck.

After being stood up by my first date, I resolutely returned to match. com, determined to ferret out my own "yes" success story. After sifting through the timid winkers and more aggressive e-mailers, I came up with two solid prospects, "Michael 1" and "Michael 2."

Michael 1 hailed from the Midwest, was quick-witted and college educated, had a slew of pets and a good looking smile. We exchanged e-mails back and forth, but they tapered off, ending with a discussion about the merits of cat people going to a dog beach.

"Crazy women hiding their wet kitties,"

he said. "Sounds dirty."

Umm, yes, it does.

Michael 2, by contrast, was polite and respectful, with a gentleness that came through even over e-mail. He was three years younger, a Fort Myers local, and an avid sailor. When he asked for my phone number, I gave it without hesitation.

"There's something I should tell you," he typed in a message. "I walk with crutches. It's something I was born with and not really a problem. But, if it's a deal breaker for you, I understand."

Was it a deal-breaker for me? Part of me said it was. But isn't that the point of the week of yes, to break out of our pre-conceived dating molds?

We met for coffee on a cool evening, the winds of a cold front rustling palm fronds and sending clouds streaming across the face of the moon. I was there first, reading a book at one of the café's wooden tables, and I didn't see him until he was seated across from me.

"Let me get rid of these darn things," he said, leaning the crutches against a chair.

I blushed furiously. He was handsome, with a shock of light brown hair and clear blue eyes. His smile was warm and genuine. We shook hands, and I could feel the color spreading across my cheeks.

"I always blush when I meet people," I said, smiling shyly. But, the truth is, I always blush when I meet someone I like.

And he was instantly likable. A good talker, a better listener, he asked questions and listened to my answers. He had his own stories to tell, about sailing in the Caribbean and visiting the Great Lakes. We talked about growing up in Fort Myers and compared notes on the online dating experience.

"That's why I'm on match.com," he said, tilting his head towards the crutches. "It's tough to meet people."

After an hour, we had worked our way through the typical first-date checklist, and I made motions to leave.

"Maybe we could go sailing some time?" he asked as I put on my coat.

I looked at him and smiled.

My seven days of yes may have ended the day before, but without hesitating, I said, "I'd love to."

Contact Artis

>>Send your dating tips, questions, and disasters to sandydays@florida-weekly.com