Here is an excerpt from my private handwritten journal from 1994.
Please forgive me for all the clichés about love, but I was twenty years younger and writing for myself.
“… It was Friday night, October 7. Finally, seven o’clock came and Paul arrived. Wow! was all I could think. On the night we’d met, I guess he hadn’t been in his best form because this guy looked like he could melt my heart. I hoped I looked good to him too!
We dined at the Casa Grande, on Mexican food and sangrias, and had drinks at the T.G.I.F. club. And he was absolutely charming. He was funny, attentive, and generous with his money. I had a perfect time, for someone who was too nervous to eat much. We went back to his place and talked.
Then came the first kiss.
I was sitting on the couch and he was sitting on the floor next to me. The chemistry was overpowering to say the least. He said the sweetest things to me. The next thing I knew he was leaning back against my legs and I encircled him with my arms. Touching him felt delicious. He then turned to face me and kissed me gently. It was wonderful, too wonderful to describe.
Because his roommate might come home any minute, he suggested we go listen to his stereo in his room where we wouldn’t be disturbed. I said something like I wasn’t born yesterday, to which he laughed and reassured me I didn’t have to do anything I didn’t want to do.
He was a perfect gentleman, even though the physical attraction was very strong. We kissed and talked and just rested there on his bed until the sun came up. I got home around 6:30 or 7:00 and went to bed. What a beautiful night!
Paul called me late that morning and I told him what a wonderful time I had. Then, being pretty sure what the answer would be, I asked him if he would like to come over that night. He said he’d be there. I was on cloud nine….
…I could go on and on describing those first few dates in glorious detail, but let me simply say Paul swept me off my feet and I knew I was smitten. The weekend following our first date, he asked me to “go steady”, and I said yes. A few weeks later he told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him too. We were so compatible from the very start. Everything feels so right. I love him more than I ever thought possible.
I would never have chosen to start a new relationship so soon after the breakup of my marriage, but in this case I believe Fate played a hand in bringing us together at this time in our lives. As Paul often says to me, we were meant to be together, not before, but now when we were ready for each other and could better appreciate the depth of our love.
I could have said no, I won’t go out with this guy because it seems too soon, and then miss out on ever finding a true soul mate, which is how I see him. He’s so kind, so sincere, and very intelligent. I can’t imagine a sweeter man for me…”
Okay, I better stop transcribing right there, before I share EVERYTHING and completely embarrass myself. 🙂
Happy 20 year Anniversary of our first date, Paul. ❤
Another Look Back: The Day We Met
Jennifer's Journal 
