A Great Date

It doesn't happen very often. Great first dates.

When 2 people who are strangers and new to each other, feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and to be entirely themselves - not feeling that they had to be more than what they are.

But it happened last night.

A not-so-young Malay boy, a lovely young Chinese girl who is mature beyond her years, dinner, dessert and drinks at La Bodega lounge. Life stories galore shared. Stories of travels to foreign lands and cultures. Many common traits, experiences and emotional tragedies - and both have come out stronger for it. Lots of laughter and empathizing with each other.

And sharing of hopes, fears and ambitions. For themselves. For Malaysia. And yet both being realistic enough to have back-up plans, should either not materialize.

They were mutually and pleasantly surprised. Wavelength match is something that's hard to come by, nowadays. Not without minor or major adjustments.

And before you know it, it was 2 a.m. at La Bodega and they had been talking non-stop, for 5+ hours. Surprising, though both felt that the night was too short and there's still so much to say.

A walk in the drizzling rain to her car. A promise for a next date. A gentle touch to the arm, expressing thanks for a great night.

There are nights when you thank God, that you're still single. This is one of those moments.