Nobody puts baillee in the corner

Age: 50

Who was your first crush?

Suzanne Eubanks. I sat next to her in Geometry and dreamed of working up the courage to ask her for a date.

Who was your first kiss?

Cathy Flynn. It was the summer before my sophomore year in high school. She was a year older and I couldn’t imagine that she liked me “that way”. She finally came right out and told me not to chicken out.

What are your views on Tinder and other dating apps?

I’m just out of the age range to really have an informed opinion. I can’t imagine they are any worse than the Russian roulette that we used to play going to bars in the ’80’s.

What was the best date you ever had?

The best date I ever had was a failed attempt at going to a balloon festival. We left Cleburne early in the day and drove (or attempted to drive) to a festival in Plano. Hours of driving all over the metroplex, listening to Guns ‘n Roses and just “being”. I knew then I wanted to waste time with her forever.

What was the worst date you ever had?

I took a girl to my favorite bar in college, The Dixie Chicken. She was pre-law. When I told her that I believed a lawyer was obligated to represent a client that they knew was guilty, she lost it. I’m sure my unwillingness to drop the subject or concede didn’t help. We did not exit the bar together.

What goes through your head when you first realize you have feelings for someone?

For me, it was a sense of urgency. An urgency to spend as much time as possible together.

What is the first trait that attracts you to someone?

A vulgar but intelligent sense of humor, especially a willingness to blurt out whatever comes to mind in my presence. Thinking I’m funny doesn’t hurt.

How would you describe heart break?

Like needing to vomit, but with no content. Like dry heaves, but worse.

What is your break up routine?

I was always direct and quick. The highest level of technology available was a telephone call (no texting, emailing, etc.), but I always did it in person. It was almost like a job termination. By the time I took action, I was past any real emotions like sorrow or anger. CHS band hall practice room was an excellent venue.

Have you ever been in love?

I fell in love a little over thirty years ago. I am more in love today than I was then.

Do you think it’s possible to love two people at the same time?

Not the definition of love that I think you are asking about. At least not for me. There is a definite exclusivity that can’t be missing. Not because of any moral constructs, but just because there isn’t any space in the heart/soul for another.

What does love mean to you?

I’m only fifty, so my definition is still forming. While things like decades of togetherness, children, definitely “tweak” the meaning, I still feel so much like I did when I was just a teenager.

What advice do you have for someone who has never been in love?

Be open to possibilities, but don’t settle. If it doesn’t feel like you need it more than oxygen, keep looking.