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A Guaranteed Way to Meet New People... In The Time of The Bug... âĪïļâ—😎  

Paulxx001 67M
8732 posts
12/3/2020 9:29 am

Last Read:
12/18/2020 10:50 am

A Guaranteed Way to Meet New People... In The Time of The Bug... âĪïļâ—😎

There is no hope. None of us will meet anyone new during this time of the 'bug', or so we're all lead to believe. Certainly not if we follow social media, watch the news or practise civil responsibility. But what if I've found a guaranteed way to succeed - without any risk?

It happened the other day. I was standing by the avocados - squeezing them for ripeness - when she walked up to me and those green orbs.

Peeking above the Covid mask, were her unmistakable deep blue eyes; inviting pools of aquamarine that had always captivated my imagination. I was surprised and happy to recognise her.

"Hey, how are you? What's it been - more than a year?" I beamed under my veil.

"Must be," She replied.

"How's the family? Your daughters? "

"Great," she continued to describe her oldest's new position at a law firm and her youngest's push towards a Master's degree. I filled in the blanks about my two, and we shared a few laughs about how things have evolved over the years.

We went back and forth about current events and the health of our parents. But when I asked about her husband, her tone changed.

"We're no longer together."

I sensed her discomfort, "My apologies, I wasn't aware."

"No worries, it was a long time coming. Our divorce was peaceful. The girls are ok with it, and so am I."

We'd been lingering by those fruits for a while, and I didn't want to seem too needy, but I had to extend an invitation as naturally as I could, so I did.

"I've lost contact with some of my friends on Face*book; I should look you up again," I spoke as I threw a pair of avocados in my bag and prepared to walk away. She nodded and replied.

"I don't mind if we keep in touch, but I have a question - who are you?"

And with that query, the reality of our dialogue became clear. She had no idea who I was.

"Aren't you Linda from Kirkland? Didn't our go to school together?"

"I am from Kirkland, but I just moved here last year," she answered. "Looks like you thought I was someone else," and she began to laugh. At that point, I chuckled as well.

"It's these damn masks. I could have sworn I knew you," I lowered my disguise and smiled. She shifted hers and confirmed I had no clue who she was. We continued to laugh at our encounter.

"Sorry about that. My name is Paul."

"No problem. My name is Kathy. Perhaps I should give you my Face*book name so we can keep tabs on each other?"

And THAT'S how you meet strangers during this improbable period of our global history. I'm not suggesting this strategy will work all the time or predicting success for everyone who tries it. I'm merely pointing something out - for those who say it's impossible.

I have proof that there IS a way to meet. All you need are a cluster of avocados, a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and the skill to carry a friendly conversation.

We're all capable of that, aren't we?

..............................



Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 9:30 am

And it's as easy as that. Pick someone who you might be interested in and start a conversation as if you know them.

Although friendships take between 40 and 60 hours to gel; first impressions are made in 7 seconds.

The longer you maintain a friendly, upbeat tone, the greater your chances are - when the truth is unveiled - that they will want to remain in touch with you or at least, get to know you better. True ❗ 😎

I mean, what's the worst that can happen? ðŸĪ”


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 9:31 am

Do you ever talk with strangers?ðŸ˜Ū


lunchandconvo 53F  
4034 posts
12/3/2020 11:02 am

i LOVE your avocados having fun at the end of your blog!

i have heard for years about the grocery store is THE place to meet new peeps.
this has never happened to me.
but my pal SE who is NOT an attractive woman is a size smaller than my shoe size.
i unload tons of shoes to her...
one day she was the the HOME DEPOTT wearing a high heeled electric blue cut out pumps (no middle section) that i gave her.
SOMEONE PICKED HER UP BECAUSE SHE WAS IN MY SHOES!!
LITERALLY IN MY SHOES!!

when i decided to meet the 30YO i started to ask al lot of questions on if he masked at work and his position on masking. he asked me why i was asking ALL these questions. he thought my local HS pal who is an anti-masker was crazy, so i felt comfortable doing a meet.


60satisfaction 66M

12/3/2020 11:08 am

I do, especially if they are attractive women.
Unfortunately, those I see out and about are usually fat and unattractive.......


flannel_light 61F
4586 posts
12/3/2020 11:54 am

Now is that the way you seduce a woman mmmmm😏 Nice going Paul. I flirt with the men

The Light is shinning and she is lonely and waiting in the darkness.


foz19504 69M
1657 posts
12/3/2020 12:09 pm

I'm going to try this. But I don't like avocados. I'll let you know how this works with another veg. LOL


pocogato12 71F  
37235 posts
12/3/2020 12:24 pm

I am a very social person- always have been. Being in medicine and then in retail one has to be able to connect with people on many levels. I'd invite you to peel me a grape but you are soooooo far away

(Virtual Symposium Group) use Virtual Symposium Group


GhostofH 65M
22788 posts
12/3/2020 12:46 pm

Luv'd the story, Paul. Can't say that I ever made a mistake such as that as I don't usually start conversations with strangers unless I'm hoping it to proceed further.


superbjversion2 68F  
24388 posts
12/3/2020 1:31 pm

Yep, I talk to strangers ... though usually not in the grocery store ... but no one has tried to pick me up. Maybe I'm too strange.

Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!


hippiechick1967 60F  
13154 posts
12/3/2020 1:37 pm

I wonder if it would work with bananas?

Elevate me...


scoupe42 60M

12/3/2020 2:03 pm

Paul, believe it not, in the past I met someone at the laundrymat. or Home Depot , but it come down to it, they must be feeling you, if not, it's a no go!


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 2:50 pm

    Quoting lunchandconvo:
    i LOVE your avocados having fun at the end of your blog!

    i have heard for years about the grocery store is THE place to meet new peeps.
    this has never happened to me.
    but my pal SE who is NOT an attractive woman is a size smaller than my shoe size.
    i unload tons of shoes to her...
    one day she was the the HOME DEPOTT wearing a high heeled electric blue cut out pumps (no middle section) that i gave her.
    SOMEONE PICKED HER UP BECAUSE SHE WAS IN MY SHOES!!
    LITERALLY IN MY SHOES!!

    when i decided to meet the 30YO i started to ask al lot of questions on if he masked at work and his position on masking. he asked me why i was asking ALL these questions. he thought my local HS pal who is an anti-masker was crazy, so i felt comfortable doing a meet.
lol 😂... Wow. What a tale. Did she have a good time at least?
And I loved those avocado people as well.
Grocery stores - at least here - are a virtual gold mine for meeting people. And I don't always mean with the goal of hooking up. They're just fun.

Look spellbound near your favorite fruit and ask the next passing man, how he'd prepare that fruit?
Guaranteed success! lol 😂
So it's all about the shoes? ðŸĪ” Hmmm..


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 2:52 pm

    Quoting 60satisfaction:
    I do, especially if they are attractive women.
    Unfortunately, those I see out and about are usually fat and unattractive.......
I'm thinking road trip to another store? 😂
I understand what you mean.
It's hit and miss, isn't it. Let me know if you get lucky 🍀. ❗ Cheers and good luck. 👍


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 2:54 pm

    Quoting  :

I know... you've mentioned your laundromat. Ya know, that sounds like a GREAT place to meet people.
Yep... Now how many movies have I watched where - that's it ALL begins. Yep.
Sounds like a classic.
It's fun to talk with people, isn't it? ðŸĪ” ❗❗😎


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 2:58 pm

    Quoting flannel_light:
    Now is that the way you seduce a woman mmmmm😏 Nice going Paul. I flirt with the men
I ask for advice on how to squeeze an avocado.
Somehow, they feel obliged to reply... and include a recipe. lol 😂
I never refuse help.
Would you? ðŸĪ”

But seriously, if you're friendly - people reflect that warmth. Ya know what I mean. ❗ 😎


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:06 pm

    Quoting foz19504:
    I'm going to try this. But I don't like avocados. I'll let you know how this works with another veg. LOL
You don't need to LIKE, the fruit in question.
What you need is - a question about the fruit. lol 😂
Advice on avocado ðŸĨ‘ ripeness, recipes and health values are always freely shared - especially if you stand there stunned...

Choose a fruit or veggie and get back here and update your results. lol 😂

Good luck if you choose broccoli ðŸĨĶ... lol 😂
Hey... Come back with a report. ., ❗❗😎


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:16 pm

    Quoting pocogato12:
    I am a very social person- always have been. Being in medicine and then in retail one has to be able to connect with people on many levels. I'd invite you to peel me a grape but you are soooooo far away
I understand what you mean.
Having spent half my life in technical sales - although any sales would be comparable - I've often wondered, how I've kept my sanity. ugh... lol 😂

Wondered what?

It's not hard to be friendly and engaging, is it?

About that grape.
I don't think I can do it.
But, I'm willing to give it a shot.
FedEx that sucker. 🍷🍷😎❗❗❗👍🍀


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:24 pm

    Quoting GhostofH:
    Luv'd the story, Paul. Can't say that I ever made a mistake such as that as I don't usually start conversations with strangers unless I'm hoping it to proceed further.
I pictured you as, taking a chance.
But that's what I meant. Was it really a mistake - or a calculated risk.
I know, or I believe, you'd make her smile, whoever she was.

Try oatmeal.... and stand there, until a lady explains to you why there are ten different versions

lol 😂
Thanx for the prop. Cheers ❗❗😎


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:30 pm

    Quoting superbjversion2:
    Yep, I talk to strangers ... though usually not in the grocery store ... but no one has tried to pick me up. Maybe I'm too strange.
Or maybe... you're not STRANGE enough? ðŸĪ”
You've gotta try the 'high class' fruit and toilet paper places.
But I understand...
... avocados... and look for someone who's confused. 😂
No worries. But hey, you don't need my advise.
So... when's the wedding? ðŸĪ”


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:35 pm

Choose a veggie or item that you NEED advice or help with.
Something that requires a squeeze.
Or a recipe tip.
Or a remark about how it reduces cholesterol.
lol 😂
Go for it! 👍
But get back here with an update.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 3:36 pm

    Quoting scoupe42:
    Paul, believe it not, in the past I met someone at the laundrymat. or Home Depot , but it come down to it, they must be feeling you, if not, it's a no go!
I believe you.
Cheers bro! 👍 😊


mc_justmc 63M

12/3/2020 3:42 pm

I don't mix pleasure and avocados, I take my avocados very seriously.


smartasswoman 66F  
35813 posts
12/3/2020 3:42 pm

Hm, the legendary grocery store "meet cute" has never happened to me.

Of course, "a willingness to step out of your comfort zone" doesn't describe me very well. And these days most people are trying to be as quick and efficient as possible to limit their exposure time in the grocery store.

Cases are so high where I am that I'm thinking about just doing delivery for the time being.


flannel_light 61F
4586 posts
12/3/2020 3:53 pm

    Quoting Paulxx001:
    I ask for advice on how to squeeze an avocado.
    Somehow, they feel obliged to reply... and include a recipe. lol 😂
    I never refuse help.
    Would you? ðŸĪ”

    But seriously, if you're friendly - people reflect that warmth. Ya know what I mean. ❗ 😎
If I can not reach something I will ask for help. Kindness does go a long way. I have meet some that I was friendly with and they were rude.

The Light is shinning and she is lonely and waiting in the darkness.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
12/3/2020 4:12 pm

    Quoting mc_justmc:
    I don't mix pleasure and avocados, I take my avocados very seriously.
No doubt.
I understand.
Especially since I researched - recently - those suckers, and figured out they have some serious value. Are they user friendly or what?
Hmmm... anyway. I get your point.
I'm not obsessed. I trip on them once in a while.
Ya hafta catch them at the right time, dontcha?

timing... it's life, isn't it? ðŸĪ”


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