Session 8•
The Date That Felt Like a Group Project
I went on a date. It felt like a group project where both people pretend to contribute equally, but one is clearly carrying the emotional PowerPoint.
INT. MATCHMAKING OFFICE – DAY
Soft daylight. The GOLDEN FLAMINGO is holding what appears to be a tiny notebook. This feels targeted.
I sit down, take a breath, and immediately look amused.
SOFIA C.
That expression means one of two things.
ME
Growth or chaos.
SOFIA C.
Which one is it?
ME
Educational chaos.
She leans back, interested.
SOFIA C.
Tell me about the date.
ME
It felt like a group project.
SOFIA C.
Explain.
ME
You know those group projects where everyone agrees to contribute equally…
…and then one person ends up doing 90% of the work while the other says “we did great as a team”?
Sofia smiles knowingly.
SOFIA C.
And you were the one doing the work.
ME
Emotionally, yes.
I was asking questions, carrying the conversation, creating momentum…
…and she was there.
A beat.
SOFIA C.
Just there?
ME
Present. Polite. Attractive.
But it felt like talking to someone who’s waiting for the trailer instead of watching the movie.
Sofia tilts her head slightly.
SOFIA C.
And how did that make you feel?
ME
Like I was auditioning.
SOFIA C.
For what role?
ME
“Entertain me enough so I might consider you.”
Silence. Sofia observes me closely.
SOFIA C.
And did you?
ME
Of course.
I’m very good at interviews.
She smiles, slightly amused.
SOFIA C.
So what’s the problem?
ME
The problem is that it worked.
A pause.
ME
She enjoyed it.
But I didn’t feel anything real.
Sofia leans forward slightly.
SOFIA C.
So what would have made it different?
ME
Effort from her side.
Curiosity. Energy. Presence.
I don’t need perfection.
I need participation.
Sofia holds eye contact a moment longer than usual.
SOFIA C.
That’s a very attractive standard.
ME
It’s also surprisingly rare.
The GOLDEN FLAMINGO slowly closes its notebook like it just learned something important.
END SESSION #8