I LOVE the Opera!

No really, I do.

I don't go to the opera very often, but always have purchased tickets in pairs. The problem arises when the thought comes to mind, "who am I going to take?" More often than not an appreciating girlfriend is thrilled and interested to go... except for this one time.

I had tickets for La Traviata at the Dorothy Chandler. At the time I was finishing a semester of Italian 2 and thought it would be an opportunity to invite a guy in my class. La Traviata is an Italian opera. However, there was a bit of a problem. I had only spoke with him briefly a couple of times during those 16 weeks. I never even got a chance to work on class exercises with him.

For the record, I was NOT cradle robbing! He was taking a class to fulfill an interest, not requirements, as was I. So he was an older student.

The night of the final exam, I completely lucked out. I finished the test before him and was talking with a few people in the stairwell. He joined us and invited us to go along with him to a graduation party. Unfortunately, everyone else had other things to do, which was okay by me! We spent the evening talking over a couple of drinks and I ended up really enjoying his company, so I asked him to the opera. He agreed to go!

The day of the opera arrived and he calls me in the morning to ask if we're still on? Is he kidding? Oh, please don't flake on me now! Too casual an approach to confirm plans that involve orchestra seats! Actually, he wanted to know how should coordinate. I suggested he pick me up since I live on the way there. In the back of my mind I was really thinking, we can talk in the car, and after the matinee show, it will be time for dinner. Voilà! Extended date.

So he picks me up, we get there, watch La Traviata, and as we walk out he suggests we get a bite to eat. See what I mean? My plan, but his idea. When I'm good, I'm good.

Whether or not he wants to consider this a date, this was a great day. We got along and had a great time. Up until he dropped my off. As he gave me a hug, I mentioned I'd like to see him again -- and not in a classroom. Yeah... he wasn't expecting that. I know at times I can be pretty direct. You want to know what his words were to that? "On one hand I think why not? But let me think about it."

Oh. Awkward. I couldn't believe it. What guy says THAT? Out loud?! You have a women who expresses an interest in you and, are you SERIOUS?!

He talked to me shortly after and gave me the same song and dance that I've heard so many time before... you're smart, funny... and wait, is that Charlie Brown's professor in the background?

It's alright, no loss. In fact, we are currently friends.

Contemplating if I should just get single tickets from now on...