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I usually like to share one date per story, but this time, I want to reflect on someone who didn’t exactly fall into the typical "date" category. As you might have gathered from some of my recent posts, I’ve been exploring my dating experiences. However, this particular story is about a person who, although we never officially went on a date, left a lasting impression on me for being one of the kindest, most respectful people I’ve encountered in my dating history.

This happened a few months ago, and while the events might not be in perfect order, I feel it’s important to share my experience, the highs and lows, and the lessons learned.

One summer, I had the opportunity to send my son to his grandmother's house for a while, which gave me some unexpected freedom. Taking advantage of this time, I decided to pick up a second job. Between my full-time position at the courthouse and late hours at Sonic, I was always on my feet. One evening, I was sent home early from work, but instead of heading back to an empty house, I decided to text someone I knew—Kaiden.

Kaiden was a bit of an oddball, but definitely interesting. To be honest, I never thought we’d really connect. Our lives were vastly different: I was a single mom, juggling work and life, while he was a single guy, working late hours and keeping to himself. Despite living relatively close to one another, it felt like we existed in completely separate worlds.

But that night, when I didn’t want to go home and be alone, Kaiden was awake and free. I texted him on a whim to see if he wanted to hang out. To my surprise, he said yes.

I won’t lie—my memory of our first time hanging out is a bit hazy. I think I just went over there and slept for a couple of days straight! I was utterly exhausted, and it’s possible I made a bit of a mess of things, but somehow, Kaiden didn’t mind. Over the course of the summer, I found myself visiting him more frequently. I loved spending time at his place—he was the kind of person who made me feel at ease. His company was comforting, and he kept the conversation flowing, which I appreciated.

There were moments of awkward silence, of course. But I’ve always valued genuine conversation, and Kaiden seemed just as eager to engage. What really stood out, though, was the way he treated me. He was thoughtful and kind in a way I hadn't experienced before. He’d wake me up with forehead kisses or tuck me in when he left for work. He was as polite and respectful to strangers as he was to me. It was a refreshing change from the usual dynamics I’d been used to.

The thing I loved the most, he listened. He actually listened to things I said and took them into consideration. I have this weird fear of bathrooms I don't know. Listen, I know its strange. So, he sat on the toilet and talked with me. The entire time, he just listened. I was extremely appreciative.

But as the summer progressed, I found myself slipping into a bit of a funk—maybe even a manic episode, though I’m not sure. Life was chaotic, and I started questioning my place life. I was going through a few current events, that I thought would be better done alone. It did involve him in a way, but I could not bring that stress into his life. He was a single guy, free to come and go as he pleased, while I had the added responsibility of being a mom with a lot of baggage. I feared I was in a place that could ultimately bring more issues into his life.

We continued to talk on and off, but I gradually pulled back. Despite my desire for the connection, I couldn’t help but feel like I was not suppose to be here. And so, I distanced myself.

Before my surgery, I decided to reach out again. I missed coming over, I missed talking. Rejection was the worse that could happen, so what was there to lose? Kaiden had always been a good person, someone who had done nothing wrong, and I realized I valued him as a friend or person. Though we don’t hang out anymore, I’m grateful for the time we spent together, and I hope he knows how much I appreciate his kindness.

Looking back, I realize that sometimes, even when someone is genuinely a good person, they just might not be the right fit for you. Kaiden deserves the best, and I genuinely hope he finds everything he's looking for in life. As for me, I’m thankful for the lesson I learned from him about kindness, patience, and the importance of mutual respect in any relationship.