"It's A Virgo Thing"

"Yes, I would like the strawberry parfait please. Uh..except..well this is kind of awkward ha. I believe you've spelt parfait wrong on the menu. Riiight there. Yes! By your logo, which now that I look at it again, is actually off centre too. You're welcome."

The waiter stares at me blankly, speechless. Hmm, it is a French restaurant..perhaps English isn't his first language? I turn to my date for support and he looks slightly embarrassed, reaching for more wine. I peer down again at the menu, now ignoring the highly prominent spelling error and instead, over thinking whether I should have even gone for the parfait. The chocolate brownie sounds better. Or perhaps the gelato? Wait..why would they even have gelato in a French restaurant? Isn't gelato meant to be Italian? Are these people not educated?!

Five minutes pass. I'm lost in a world of dessert; analysing the cultural and historical differences between brownie and gelato. Also, at the same time considering reapplying my lippy.

"Have we decided on the dessert?" The waiter interrupts the silence, straining a patient smile.

"Yeah, Dena here will go for the parfait. And I'll have another bottle of Shiraz. Thanks!" My charming date replied, cutting me off.

I unintentionally scowl at him. He leans back in his chair, grinning, as if he's done me a favour.

"Are you always this fussy with dessert?" He laughs.

"No, of course not. I just thought someone should let them know they have spelling errors on their menu." I say matter of factly, neatly folding my serviette in half. "It's bad for business."

Another long silence. So long, I could hear the crickets chirping outside.

OK. This date was going so well..almost on the perfect scale..until the second course. What went wrong? I assumed up to now, I had made a good impression. Polite and sweet. Laughed at all his jokes. Even worn that sexy leather skirt a friend lent me, which I initially felt was a little too short for first date encounters. What could it be?

I suddenly click.

Oh no... I must be doing it again. That Virgo thing!

Sometimes, it's just my second nature. I'm sure other Virgo's can relate.

I scan the restaurant and spot a pretty waitress, sweeping past the tables in this elegant and feminine manner. Her hair is tied back into a ballerina bun, complimenting her perfectly applied makeup. She flashes a beautiful smile at one of the customers. And that handwriting on her order pad. I can see it from here..ahh, it's so tidy! No doubt she would be a Virgo too!

But, there I go.. judging again. Well, in all fairness, what my friends call judging, I call observing. They also occasionally call me critical or skeptical too, may I add. However, I like to think us Virgos make up for our stereotypical shortcomings with all our positive traits.

Where is ... oh good, his car keys are still on the table. My date must have gone to the bathroom. And with the amount of wine he's thrown back, it should give me enough time to partake in one of my favourite activities - make a quick list in my mind! Perfect.

Positive (And Datable) Traits Of A Virgo:

1. Virgo's are very kind individuals. We go out of our way to help others and offer an empathetic ear or words of advice.

2. Virgo's are loyal. We definitely win the 'most loyal friend of the year even though your messiness and chewing habits irritate the hell out of me award'

3. Intelligent. I don't mean to boast, but everyone knows this already.

4. Reliable. We take responsibilities very seriously.

5. Organised. Our motto could be 'fail to plan, plan to fail!'

6. My mental handwriting is getting messy.. I will stop this list here.

"They're taking a while with our dessert." My date returns, yawning.

Really? Is the night that tedious for him? It would help if he could actually hold an intellectual conversation. Seriously, how did I match with this guy. His profile said he had a degree in Journalism. Maybe I can lead in example.

"So, Marcus. What new year resolutions did you make?"

Marcus scratches his beard.

"Wow, I've never been asked that question on a first date before." He finally says, flatly.

"I can tell you mine, if that helps?"

"Um.. you know what. Why don't we just keep things simple and talk about our hobbies yeah. Me? I love footy and beer."

Footy and beer! We're going to now talk about football and beer at this romantic, picturesque, idyllic French restaurant?! I feel like crying. No, stop. I'm not going to do my Virgo thing again. I should really give this poor man a chance to be himself.

"That's cool. I can't say I enjoy beer, but I've watched a few games before."

Marcus's monotone face breaks into a grin.

"Ah! She likes footy!"

"Occasionally, yup." I smile back at him, relieved the momentary tension has lifted. He is pretty cute. Contagious laugh. And he does dress well. Ugh..! Wait a minute. What is that smudgy fraction of green I see in the corner of his mouth?

"Hey.. I think you've got something in your teeth. Just pointing it out. Incase you didn't know."

What can I say? It's a virgo thing.