I'd like to spend an hour or two with you.

(I know I'm idealistic,

but bear with me.)

This is how I view dates:

A boy calls you up

and says,

"Hi.

I'd like to spend an hour or two with you--

just us.

I've been wanting some dedicated time

to appreciate everything about you

worth appreciating."

And you say,

"Yes! I'd love that.

I'd love the chance

to appreciate everything about you

worth appreciating."

A date isn't necessarily about being in love,

but it is about love.

The real kind.

I don't have a good experience

if I spend the whole time asking myself

Am I having fun?

Does he think I'm funny?

Am I proud to be seen with him?

But if I notice

his laugh next to me in the movie theater,

his hand gestures while he drives,

the reverent way he says my name,

the glimmer when he talks about the things he loves,

I have a better time.

I like when

an hour or two of

doing some activity or another

becomes a holy experience,

because I get to bask in the grandeur

of another human being.

Sometimes,

you get a call out of the blue

from a boy who is very easy to appreciate.

And then the smile on your face

when you tell him yes

is real and unsuppressible,

because you know that an evening appreciating him

is going to be a delight.

And that is the best.