An Ode to the upcoming movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2"....

Oh Aunt Voula, thank you for your words of wisdom. I have taken your advice on many of my dates. A great dating story that resonates with the upcoming film debut of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" was a guy I went out with right before my birthday in August 2013. 

I was just getting comfortable with my body image as my weight loss was progressing. This was at the beginning of my dating "career" as I would put it. His name was Nic (For all intents and purposes of this post 😂). We met on OKCupid. He was a 26 year old Jewish male when we went out. The interesting thing that intrigued me was that he was originally from Greece. Can you imagine the odds? The Jewish tribe exists out in Greece! The mix of brains and brawn seemed too good for it to be true. Ha and it was. 

Nic and I had a short evening of messaging on the OKCupid website so to get comfortable with each other. By the end of the night we were quick to exchange our numbers. After an additional day of texts he set up a date in the city at BathTub Gin. (SHOUT OUT: BathTub Gin is a great speakeasy with the Stone Street Coffee storefront on the Chelsea/Meatpacking border. They have delicious cocktails and bites. Please try to make a reservation ahead of time so to grab a seat at a table rather than stand in a crowd by the bar. They let in a limited amount of people at a time and have a burlesque show certain nights of the week. Don't forget to snag a photo in the copper bathtub in the middle of the room.) 

BathTub Gin and its seductive speakeasy vibe.

Always need a photo in a bathtub.

We met on a Thursday night in front of the bar after work around 6pm. I drove in from New Jersey where I was working at the time. Nic came dressed from work in a suit. Since there were no tables available, we were granted entry to the bar with no wait. Luckily, Nic squeezed us in at the bar so we could be comfy standing to some extent. He had been there before so he was proficient in ordering me a Gin drink based on my preference of flavors. My drinks of choice vary on the season and mood I am in. That day it was quite humid, so it had to be a clear liquor with citrus notes without it being too sweet.  

Our conversation was light and easy flowing. I was quite curious about his upbringing, particularly being born in Greece as a Jew. During Passover, he said that his mother makes lamb shoulder, braised in Greek spices, and the matzah meal borekas stuffed with spinach and feta are phenomenal. Someone pinch me. His accent surely helped with his charm. As much as he was trying to suppress the accent and immerse himself in living in NYC for several years, it still was dominant in the most pleasant way. 

Even with the dim lighting at BathTub Gin, I had spotted a lovely two tone Datejust Rolex watch on his wrist. He was modest about it and stated it was a gift from his parents for graduating Grad School and landing his dream job. (SHOUT OUT: Thank Pops for showing me the difference between a Folex and a Rolex. My father taught me a lot about watches since he was in the business at some point. What can I say, I have a good eye for good taste!) 

By the end of the evening, we had went through the entire list of various specialty cocktails. We had some great laughs that night. Maybe it was the drinks that had helped the both of us loosen up. We both began the flirtatious hand motions that come with dating. He would make a comment (funny or not) and I would laugh and place my hand on his chest or grab his arm. (Just checking out his biceps, triceps, and pecs.) He would pull me closer to him so we were standing now as one unit. Things were going well. Next thing I know we are making out at the bar in full view of everyone. I am not a fan of extreme PDA (Public Displays of Affection). A kiss or two snuck in quietly are acceptable. But full blown, PDA was just not my style. The bartender even gave us a glance of "Hey, pay the check and get a room." I wanted to come back to this establishment again in the future without the look of shame, so I told Nic that I think we should call it a night. As always, I reach into my purse for some cash and offer to pay, but his Greek masculinity took charge and would not let me. (Winner)

We took our PDA around the block where we were like high school kids making out by my car. His persistence to take me home that evening was enticing, but I did not want to fall into the trap of one and done. After catching our breaths and fixing ourselves up to look proper again for society, he kissed me good night and grabbed a cab back to his neighborhood. 

The next days I waited for a follow up phone call, hoping for another chance. It eventually came a week later. He was looking for me to just come over and "Netflix & Chill" as we would call it these days. Sadly, I was not looking for a friend with benefits. Slowly over the next several weeks, our conversations died out and I never got a second date with my Greek. 

As I reflect back on that date, I think about how I could have let this kissing affair continue with additional dates. Maybe I would have brought a Greek boy home for the parents to meet. In the end, I am the type of person that respects myself and doesn't want an end of summer fling. It has always lead to one person being hurt and wanting more. I also think, that if I would have met Nic now than before, the cards would have played out differently. My approach to dating has evolved more with the times and I have come into my shell as to what I want for now and later in life. 

So, what did we learn from this date? 

• Bathtub Gin and their wonderful elixirs can lead to pleasant euphoric fun nights.

• Greeks are aggressive yet amazing kissers. (Curious to know what it would be like in the bedroom ...haha)
• PDA can be fun in the right settings, but let's not take it to the extreme. As I would say, "Classy, not trashy." 
• It all depends what you are looking for in a partner. For myself, I am not the friends with benefits kind of girl. My feelings will develop and I don't want to be hurt by rejection as well as the feeling of being used. Make a decision to what type of relationship you want and can handle. Respect yourselves and others.

 Have a great weekend and go out and see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. I can't wait to add more quotes to my repertoire. 

Yasu, 

Ilana