“I didn’t mean to steal your heart,” he said with a smile, gazing into my eyes.
Which is when the checkout clerk said, “That’s not her heart. It’s yours. It comes free with the flowers.”
Yes, dear reader, if this was a romance novel rather than my blog, he would have uttered that phrase to me while I tearily told him, “But you did steal my heart. Forever, my love.”
Cue orchestra.
Instead, this man took his box of chocolate hearts and the lily he was buying, said: “I couldn’t resist” with a grin, and exited the grocery store on his way to the rest of his day.
And me? Well, I bought my jar of blue cheese dressing. I’m not sure blue cheese dressing is really a good cue for any kind of music, especially not the romantic kind.
I used to date a man I met online. And I would tell him, “I hate this online thing. I just want to meet the man of my dreams somewhere like the grocery store. Our carts will collide and our eyes will meet over the fallen blueberries.”
After that, I got texts from time to time that said, “Are you at the grocery store? I’m showing up for bumper carts. Meet you near the blueberries.”
His quick wit did not make up for his cheatin’ heart. But it was a great wit.
Today is Valentine’s Day. There’s that. Every Valentine’s Day I am reminded that I love men. As a species. Except for the smarmy ones who populate online dating sites. And the inconsiderate husbands. And the sexist pigs.
Ok, so maybe I love a certain subset of the male species. The good guys. And on Valentine’s Day, I am reminded they are out there. I see them looking bewildered in the floral aisle. I can almost picture the thought bubbles over their heads: “Roses? Is it too soon for roses? But lilies—do women like lilies? Or is that just something you get your mother?”
I see the men who race frantically to catch the train before it leaves the station because they stopped at the florist, knowing their wife can spot grocery store flowers a mile away.
I see those scratching their heads in the card aisle, trying to find just the right sentiment. And attempting to look manly while they do it.
Sure, there are the guys who rush in—choose the first bouquet they see and race out in a flurry. There are men who don’t help their sons get Mom a V-day card or memento (No names mentioned, of course. But he does the same disappearing act on Mother’s Day and my birthday.) And there are men like the one my friend was supposed to meet tonight for a first date, who just never get back to women instead of telling them they have had a change of heart. Ugh.
But, for the most part, I see a lot of normal, nice guys doing their best out there. Many of you have asked if I’m still online dating. I’m not. I’ve been taking a long break. When people ask, “Well then, what are you doing?” I tell them I’m living my life. Happily, for the most part. And when one of my male friends calls and says, “You know, you better get back out there. You’re not getting any younger,” I actually grin. Because I know I’m not going to be happy with the guy who doesn’t appreciate fine lines. The guy who buys the first bouquet he sees.
No. If you ask me what I love about a man, so many things come to mind. The shape of his hand. The sheer strength in it. His bewilderment at why one pair of black pumps are not enough. His love of a good scotch or bourbon. Strong arms. A sharp wit. A command of wines that allows him to confidently order a bottle for the table. Or the self-assurance to pass the duty on to someone who can. The way he opens a door and puts his hand on the small of my back as I enter. The way he looks, reading glasses on, when he is absorbed in something that flirts with his mind. That deep voice. Soulful eyes and a belly laugh.
I have a feeling this man and I will just collide. Somehow, someway. I am certainly not chasing love. I am upping my happiness quotient with each day—and have plenty to work on within myself before we meet.
Perhaps in the grocery store line. But this time, he really will steal my heart.
candidkay 
Just came across this post and absolutely love it! Your grocery store scenario is perfect as is the description of the what you love about a man. You have a great writing style. Off to read some more of your work.
So glad you stopped by and liked what you saw:). I appreciate the kind words!
My guess is you’ll meet him in the candy aisle. He’ll be sweet and you’ll want to buy more than one bag..:)
Any time now…:)
Anywhere but the meat dept.:).
Ooo. You describe him so well that I can just about see him sneaking up behind you, waiting to surprise you. Only to find out that he only lives around the block, and has for years. Maybe the internet is reaching too far away?
I’m just living my life, knowing if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen:). As most things do!
Pity the man who doesn’t appreciate fine lines! They’re what make us beautiful!
Damn straight:). A man who can’t find beauty in fine lines and crazy morning hair just is not my type.
great post
Thank you!
I like “upping my happiness quotient with each day” – that’s the spirit! Massively agree with you!
Here’s to happiness in abundance!
What a beautiful and genuine post Kay! I never cease to be amazed at how thoroughly I’m drawn in here, despite the seeming divergence of our daily interests. I know I sound sappy, but I really enjoy your writing, and sharing in your journey.
Whether that guy is shopping in the grocery store, or waiting for your return to online dating (if that ever happens again) or… wherever, he’s going to have his hands full. And thats probably a good thing.
At least he won’t be bored, Gabe:). Right?! Thank you for the kind words on my writing. I truly appreciate you reading and your thoughtful commentary:).
Valentines Day can create lots of pressure! From 13yr olds hoping for a card in the mail, to women all over the world comparing with each other who got more and why didn’t they get something too? Ha I have watched it play out a lot over the years . Still , I love celebrating love anytime of year and if we find it in the supermarket, or the park or online it doesn’t matter! It will collide with us exactly when it’s meant to be. Happy Colliding Kristine ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I agree with you on the celebrating love the bit :-). It made me happy to see all of these men who were trying hard to show their love.
This is awesome! Please check mine out: https://juleselbaba.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/unconsciously-conscious/
I’m going to have to send my magic wand in for a tuneup. I keep waving it enthusiastically in your direction, but your dream man still hasn’t materialized! One thing I know, if ever the two of you meet, you will be the woman of your future dream man’s dreams! xxoo
I knew you were a fairy godmother! Of course:). Fits perfectly!
I’ve learned to ask my wife to tell me exactly what she wants for a holiday, and then I go and get it. There’s little mystery but less disappointment. She’s merciful with me that way, thank God. Or maybe she got tired of getting clothes she hated and books she’d never read.
Good luck with your quest. May your happiness attract more happiness.
Nothing wrong with that agreement:). I applaud whatever works to take the angst out of it!
Here’s to all those nice guys doing their best out there. And here’s hoping they have the magnetic pull to draw your cart into the collision of your heart’s desire. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Vday to you also! I’m all for magnetism:).
The more you do you, the more of that you, you put out, and the more attracted to you the grocery aisle man will be for the right reasons Kristine 😀 ❤
Pssst…every day is Valentines Day! 😀
Happy Vday, Mark! Not sure if you celebrate that down under but if you do, I hope you and yours had a lovely evening :-).
Happy V Day to you also Kristine, and yes we do celebrate it, and I didn’t receive anything (its the 15th over here now), from anyone (still footloose and single).
Mind you, there may be someone attracted to my energy, but haven’t worked up the courage to do anything yet. I only say that because I can feel something…in the background. So I just let it go and it will go where it needs to. I will just focus on being me…and I will attract accordingly.
Mmm, haven’t been grocery shopping for a while…that seems to be the place for it 😀
I should mention that over here the tables are turned…it is the one day that the ladies are encouraged to express how ‘they’ are feeling by the giving of cards or flowers etc, hence my comment about not receiving anything. Me personally, there is currently no one that I have any feelings for to ‘give from within’ as an expression of how I was feeling towards them 😀
But as I said, every day IS Valentines Day…so the time will come 😀
Forget the grocery! Dog park! Women love a man with a puppy:).
lol…ok, I did not know that…I’m in a unit, so I think I’m going to have to settle for a stuffed puppy instead, I wonder if that will work 😀