Topher925 said:
Let me just stop you all right there before this goes any further.
I decided to give her chance, even though there's a good probability it won't work out, especially the way my life has been lately. Like you all said, there's a chance I may be surprised.
Old adages hang around forever for a reason. There's generally a kernel of something to them. With that in mind, I'll offer you this:
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Truly, Topher, you have nothing to lose. So, you step out, spend some time with a new person, and that's that. And there's nothing wrong with that. You'll likely hear new stories, gain some new experiences, see the world -- however or long or momentarily -- through someone else's eyes. All of that is always a benefit. Plus, you'll have another person in your arsenal of people. As you go through life, you never, ever know when you'll run into someone again and knowing them might even be an advantage for you. You just don't know.
Even if -- even IF -- you figured she was the woman of your dreams, try, try, try not to put too much stress and pressure on the situation. Just relax, take your time, enjoy the person for who they are, and let them enjoy you for who you are. If something romantic comes of it, then, nifty, if you gain a new friend, then, cool, if you've made a connection with a fellow human being that you learned even one small thing from, then, great!
What I'm trying to say is: enjoy the journey. Mixed metaphor coming up here. Quit trying to see the goal line before you even step on the field. The experience is the thing. It really and truly is.