The Umpire's Call...

I went out on a lunch date the other day. A blind date. I knew the guy was older, a home (and dog) -owner, and once-divorced, but when we spoke on the phone a few times, there was a comfortable, easy rapport so I thought, “what the hell? I’m off on Fridays anyway…” and I was relatively secure (through description and anecdotal evidence) that he wasn’t hideous.

So when I met him at the restaurant, I had to admit he had a certain appeal – not perhaps the person many would see me with – shaved head, goatee, tattoos; a sort of “mature punk” look. But we had a really nice time, and despite his potential baggage, I’d like to see him again.

Here’s the problem – in the course of a post-date conversation, he made an off-hand comment about not having any kids, and I said “What, did you have a vasectomy?” and he said “Yup. I answer that question proudly” [insert screeching tire sound]. He asked if that was a problem, and I said “Well, since I’m 28 and my clock will hit countdown in 2 years, instead of calling you in 36 hours to schedule a second date, it may be 72.”

My mother’s position is that 1.) Going through the hassle of a vasectomy really indicates a non-desire for children (which in terms of her “Grandma” wishes is aberrant), or 2.) Someone who has a vasectomy doesn’t like to use condoms, and therefore may be disease-ridden.

My writing partner said “We can do better.”

Both of these women know me pretty well; my 72 hours will be up soon, and I’m still trying to decide whether to see him again – I’d rather not spend any amount of my energy getting emotionally invested with someone who can’t (without an expensive, significantly more painful, operation) provide me with what I eventually want.

Strike or Foul?