Mr. Mirror, Mr. Kenya, and Mr. Wolf

Well, I thought it time for an update.

Mr. Mirror and I are speaking again. We're friends, but I don't expect the level of relationship we had in the beginning. He's just not able to give that much. Or, as he puts it, he's "still fucked up".

I've gone on 2 dates now with Mr. Kenya. This is really the first time I've dated someone with dark skin, and I'm amazed to discover it doesn't matter to me with him. He lives way on the other side of town, and works 6 days a week doing phone/cable repair.

Let me describe Mr. Kenya. He has dark chocolate colored skin. He's tall, 6'1". He works out, and has a good physique. His smile shines beautifically and lights up his whole face. He's artistic, and admires creativity in others. He did make the statement early on to me, when he heard I was on Jenny Craig, that he hoped I would not lose my "curves". That he isn't into the Western ideal of beauty.

Mr. Kenya grew up in Nairobi, Kenya; his mother working for the U.N. He's used to being around uppercrust well to do people of all nationalities. He's also lived in London (has only a slight British accent) and has lived in Atlanta for the past nine years. He's 28, and seems to desire that which represents wealth and prosperity or status. He feels that having the nice car, good income, right clothes, is the way to get noticed by women. That "money can buy love" as he puts it. He and I disagree on this issue. That perhaps it can buy intense like, but what happens when the money goes away? He shrugged and said he hoped the woman would stay. Seems like a quite a different way of looking at things to me.

For a long time though, I kept him at an arm's length. I was suspicious, as it were. What was the *real* motive behind this African god's interest in me? He's very glib with the compliments. Very smooth. I'm not used to great looking men, who seem to have money and jobs, be in pursuit of me! This guy looks similar to Tyrese Gibson. Only after a recent conversation did it make sense to me. (yeah, sorry romantics... somewhere in my mind, there has to be a *logical* explanation). In his country, in his culture, it's easier for women to be skinny than to be plump. To be plump is a sign of wealth or power or prosperity. So my body type, is also an indicator of wealth. Somehow this makes more sense to me than just "I'm attracted to you and your shape" because he seemed so ... over the top to try and impress me. I mean, he paid for our coffees on the first date with a 50 dollar bill for crying out loud.

As Mr. Wolf puts it, I should "enjoy" this time, and just take things slow. Enjoy the fact that men want me, and desire me. It's not something I've had a lot of exposure to. Despite all that, I've no idea what will happen, if anything. I enjoy his wit, but at my core, I'm not attracted to a pursuit of money and wealth for it's own sake.

Yes, I did talk to Mr. Wolf recently. He's doing well and is still dating Ms. Italy. I wish him well to be honest. For once, during the time of our friendship, I really hear him being happy in his personal life. Good for him.

The summer is about half over for me. The thought makes me stress a little. It shouldn't, I know. In 2 weeks I'll be heading down to FL to see my parents and friends. Then I'll fly from Orlando to Dallas and back again to see friends there in TX. God I love the Texas group :) Great people, and good times.