Hi, Gina,
Don't worry. Many TS's, GG's and GM's have been stood up, waiting for a date that never shows up. I remember waiting for a guy in a Denny's for about half an hour -- it was one of the longest half hours in my life. He was a person I'd talked with many times online. I waited that long, thinking that he probably got stuck in L.A. traffic. Your shopping afterwards sounds better than what I did -- I went home and sulked. Dating has never been a favorite thing of mine and this just reinforced that feeling. Ideally, I'd like it if people met to see if this other person might become a good friend. Unfortunately, there's tension with both parties because, most of the time, people judge you in the first five minutes if you are either (1) someone to take to bed or (2) someone who could possibly be THE ONE mate you will spend the rest of your life together with -- not exactly a good recipe for a nice friendly date -- both issues create TENSION.
I'm a little wary of the possible next date you described: "I receieved a letter from a guy from a magazine ad that I had my picture published in, and he told me that I am just the woman that he's looking for, and that he was very taken by my photo. He apparently had been involved with a full time TV for 3 years, but she left him to care for her terminally ill mother."
A terminally ill mother? Hmm, could be real or it could be a story. Please be careful. And, of course, meet in public spaces. Good luck with everything. Sounds like you're, for the most part, enjoying your independence.
Hugs, Teri
