Mirror, Mirror

Allow me to rant for a minute... What's that you say? All I ever seem to do is rant??? Well, ok. That is may be a partial lie.

I've been pretty frustrated lately in the "men" department. Not just b/c my last one turned out to be such a lemon but b/c of the ones that are currently present in my life. With the exception of family members & my pastor, I've pretty much written men off. I don't have many expectations any more and I surely don't have any hope of finding Mr. Right any time soon. (See this post.)

Now, fortunately I get God's sense of humor sometimes. Which is why I went on a date with the guy I lovingly refer to as Richard the Redneck. Now I met Richard online through MySpace thanks to my ex's aunt (AWKWARD) who told him about me. Why she thought I was still so heartbroken over her nephew that I needed to be fixed up with anyone is beyond me but she did. So prior to even knowing this guy's name, he already knows what kind of car I drive, where I live and lots of other details about myself. Thank God I lock my doors at night or he might know what I eat for dinner every night. Anyway, feeling guilty about this guy and wanting to meet new friends, I told Richard I'd go to dinner with him. And we did. And it was fine. He's very shy and quiet so I talked A LOT about NOTHING. But it was fine. And honestly, Richard treated me better than any guy I've dated in while (minus the whole not-opening-the-door-for-me & not-bringing-me-anything-not-even-flowers deal). He was kind and I can tell he's a very gentle guy. He is my age, which is a plus, as I think we all know how wonderfully both older & younger men work out for me. *insert sarcasm* But I digress, Richard is a nice guy and as I said, very kind but in all honesty, I'm just simply not attracted to him. I think it's more that I'm attracted to the thought of him and not him. Needless to say, I would love to hang out-I like meeting new people and having different kids of friends-but I don't think he's interested in being friends. In fact, I know that. How do I know that? Take this conversation (that I'm having to paraphrase b/c the phone it was saved on died last week) for instance:

Me: Can I ask you a ?
Richard the Redneck: Sure
Me: Why is it we can have such great conversations via text but when we're in person, you're so quiet? Do I talk that much or do I scare you or something?
RtR: lol No. It's just that I have to be comfortable and warm up to somebody before I talk much. And if it we did talk, I'd want to talk about a relationship.
Me: What do you mean "talk about a relationship"?
RtR: I mean that when you and I talk, I'd wanna talk about being a couple.
Me: Oh. Well, can't we just talk as friends?
RtR: Of course we can. But promise me one thing.
Me: What's that?
RtR: That when you're ready to settle down, if I'm still single, you'll give me a holler.

Now, do you think the boy gets the picture that I just want to be friends? I'm thinking NO. And so the ever-impending chase of Bethany continues. (And although it is a bit strange, it does make me feel good about myself in a weird, "random strangers are in love w/me" kind of way. I guess everybody wants to feel wanted-regardless of how fescennine the situation may be.)

Ok, I have seriously digressed. The title of this post is "Mirror, Mirror" and was inspired by an encounter of sorts from Wednesday. The question I posed to the girls in my office as I filled in for the receptionist during lunch yesterday was this: What female human being on the planet earth told any male that a 6 inch long, pointy goatee is attractive? There's a guy at church that has one-such a nice guy and loads of laughs but his goatee totally throws me. And poor RtR-he would be pretty decent looking if he'd shave his. Don't get me wrong-I don't have a problem w/facial hair but I am a firm believer that a man can have clean cut facial hair and not the hairy bush or wooly handlebars so many of them have. Needless to say, I would love to give each man I know (that currently has facial hair) a lesson in personal hygiene which includes a 2-part series on the importance of grooming facial any hair on their body. I don't know many women that are attracted to such monstrosities and so I believe it would serve them well to heed my advice. Although, there has to be a reason they grow such vulgarities and I'm curious as to that reason. What is there about a snow-cone cup growing out of your chin that is so appealing? I don't get it. Can anyone enlighten me???

I suppose it would be a bit controlling of me to tell a man how to cut his hair (be it facial or otherwise). Besides, I'm a bit fearful of any man telling me what to do-I have that independent streak y'all. So, for now I'll just keep searching for a clean-cut, goatee laden lad-if there are any out there.