Date Hotter

Did I Get a Second Date?

Yes. Miguel and I met the next week for ramen in the U District. We shared chili oil and traded high school band stories. He played trumpet. I played clarinet. We laughed at how squeaky that combo sounds. We didn’t turn into a grand love story. Not yet, anyway. But we did plan a walk at the Ballard Locks, and we kept it simple.

Did it actually help?

Yes. Not perfect, but yes. I feel steadier. I choose better. I say no faster. I also say yes with less fear. I’m not trying to win. I’m trying to connect. Funny thing: I thought I needed a whole new me. I didn’t. I needed a plan, a pause, and a few good lines.

Why cowboy dating, anyway?

Simple. I wanted someone who gets early mornings and honest work. A person who doesn’t flinch at mud on boots. I don’t need a fancy steakhouse. A feed store run can be a date if we laugh in the parking lot. I tried five places: FarmersOnly Western Match Cowboy Singles DateACowboy Muddy Matches (yep, the UK one—curiosity got me) I used the paid tiers where it made sense. I kept notes. And yes, I went on dates.