Mr. Sparks

I texted Mr. Sparks and see if he's interested in going indoor climbing with me. I needed a climbing buddy, and remembered that he's pretty active. He returned my text and said he's wanted to check out this one climbing gym, and it so just happened that there's a group of climbers going to that particular gym the next day. Anyone who joins can get a discount so I invited Mr. Sparks to go. He seemed enthusiastic. A good sign. He wants to see me again.

Things didn't start well. I got a work call right before I left the house and it was distracting to say the least. I didn't even remember how I got to the car and drove there. I was so distracted that when I got there I didn't even remember to look for him. The front desk of the gym gave me some trouble so I was even further distracted. While I was dealing with the front desk, Mr. Sparks walked up to me. I was happy to see him so I gave him a hug.

Due to certain logistics I had to take a quick lesson on belaying, so I sent Mr. Sparks off to climb with someone else. I felt pretty bad at this point. One I was so distracted by work and the front desk and the logistic issue. Two I was kind of worry that I wouldn't be able to climb with Mr. Sparks once he paired up with another climber.

So I did the lesson really quick, and noticed that Mr. Sparks was climbing with someone else. Sad face. Once the lesson was done, I couldn't find Mr. Sparks, so I met up with this other girl and started climbing. During her climb Mr. Sparks found me! Yay!

So we started climbing. I explained to him that my motivation for climbing is to overcome my fear of height and asked him to be patient with me because I will freeze midway. It was overall a pleasant experience. He's definitely a lot more advanced than I am, but he stayed at the lower rated routes with me. Maybe he didn't want to be cocky and show me off? I'd be fine with it. I am not ready to compete. My pride won't be hurt. Maybe he wants to ensure he didn't make a fool of himself in front of me with the harder routes. The male ego?

He also pushed me to try out this one route that's a bit harder and a lot higher. I gave up at least twice during the climb due to the fear, but he wound't let me down and pushed me to keep going. I did and it felt good. Someone who can push me to do better but not obnoxiously pushy. I like that.

There were some decent conversations in between climbs. By the second or third climb I've already gotten a solution in my mind for work, so I was less distracted. But climbing isn't a very social sport. Most of the time you are just hanging out up there or belaying alone.

When we were done climbing I was kind of hoping we'd go for a bite. But I had make the move to ask him to climb, so the ball was in his court. He would have to ask me for a bite. He didn't. We said goodbye, then hugged, then parted ways. He did say "I'll talk to you soon" before he left.

Now I am confused. Have I fallen in the "friend zone" with Mr. Sparks? Was I too aggressive to ask him to go climbing with me? Should I have waited for his move? I think I'll be okay if Mr. Sparks turns out to be just an activity partner. After all, I've only met him twice. Not much has been invested.

I really hate this early stage of relationship, especially with someone I like. It's so confusing. Things you should do, things you shouldn't do. What does this mean, what does that mean. The game of dating. With someone I like, I don't have the patience to play it, and I end up "friends" with the someone I like. I really hate it.

What I learned: how to properly belay :-)

Third date: not hopeful.