Great Dates Two and Three

I've been reluctant to write about my last two "great dates" with Jay because our neuroses have been butting heads again. So, even though we had a great time on each, afterward, one of us would get set off and a huge fight would ensue. Like I've said, Bipolar II dating OCD is hard.

But, bottom line, I've had a great time on each of these dates. Plus, we've had some really great conversations on them.

So, two Saturdays ago, I surprised Jay with a trip to Pittsburgh to "appreciate our differences." We were headed to the Carnegie Art and Natural History Museums because, as I like to joke,

"Political differences? No problem! Religious differences? We'll deal! But art opinions...holy hell..."

I was excited to see two of Van Gogh's works, as well as Monet's Water Lilies.

My camera died while we we're looking at Jay's favorites. I swear, I did not plan this!

We got batteries at the gift shop, then headed over to see something we always agree on:

DINOSAURS!

Jay was in charge of our next date, "Communicating and Connecting." He decided to go a little more laid back and took me to the West Fork Road House. We got to draw on the table with crayons! Also, they have 32 oz draft beers.

And, proof of our differences:

Great Date One: Sharing Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations

A few months ago, I admitted to being a "control enthusiast," and that I was using 10 Great Dates Before You Say "I Do" to supplement our Church marriage prep course. What I liked about this book in particular was that it hit all the major marriage prep topics, but put the discussions in the context off something fun--a date. I feel as though these topics are especially relevant to Jay and me because we've never lived together.

Last night, we started with Date One: Sharing Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations. Jay was in charge of this date, so he surprised me with dinner at one of our favorite Youngstown restaurants .

We started our talk by discussing how lame its title was. We agreed that it is apt and describes the purpose of our discussion, but seemed unavoidably lame.

With that matter settled, we talked about our personal visions for the future-- home, career, traditions, and spirituality-- then discussed how to integrate our goals into shared ones.

Then, just for fun, we went bowling. If you need more laughter in your relationship, I would recommend bowling in party clothes. It's too funny for words.

We bowled a terrible game (Jay didn't break 100, and I couldn't make it past 40...) but had a great time.

Now it's my turn to plan Date Two: Appreciating Your Differences. Hmmm...