Random Bits of (Very Unnecessary) Information
One day, while at work, I was sitting at my desk checking in books when a man about my age came in with his three year old son. He spoke to me for several minutes. He asked a little about how I came to live in this small community, how I enjoyed it and what I did for fun. They were general feeler questions that I didn’t mind answering because I like feeling like men are interested in me. I sometimes fear I may just be slipping into the dating abyss and become completely invisible to men. It seems dumb but I feel sorta’ shut off when it comes to men. I am still not my witty, charming, dynamic self.
He sat down in the children’s section with his son and I could hear him reading to the boy. I have always appreciated, as a single parent, the effort put forward by other single parents to engage their children. I spent many a long day, in the library with my son, reading and talking about books. It is nice to see parents doing productive things with their children. I always felt it was important.
After a while, he made his way back to my desk. He explained that he had custody of his son and that he only planned on being in the area for a short period of time. I really wasn’t interested in him but I didn’t mind chatting. His son called him back over to the books. He had selected another book to read. His dad ushered him toward to table that sat adjacent to my desk. As he was reading to his son, they got to a line in the book. “The dinosaur brushed his teeth.” He then added, “That is something daddy always forgets to do.”
Sometimes the things people say astonish me. Why would you spend twenty minutes chatting a girl up then make a comment about your poor personal hygiene in front of her? That is just gross. I spent the duration of his stay in the library marveling at his lack of common sense. When they settled on some books they stepped over to my desk. As I checked them out he smiled at me and said he hoped that he would see me again soon. I gave him a quick smile and they left. “I hope not,” I mumbled as they exited.
It seems this would go without saying but here goes… If you are trying to get a feel for someone you think might be interested in you don’t say things, in their presence that’ll totally gross them out. Don’t offer information they don’t need. It is gross that you don’t brush your teeth but to announce it is just stupid.
I have a blogger friend who asked why the girl he was dating needed at least an hour to get ready for anal sex. I was dumbfounded. I wasn’t confused that she might need some prep time. I can think of several reasons that might be. I was appalled that she told a guy she was casually dating she needed prep time. I don’t understand why she thought it needed to be said at all. Why does your date need to know you need to “prep” for sex. If you’ve discussed sleeping together then all your partner needs to know is that you consent to said sex. He doesn’t need to know you have to give yourself an enema (For Fuck’s Sake!) or that you need time to get things loosened up. (WTF!)
When it comes to dating, less information really is the best policy. If you have a communicable disease you should be honest… You should just be honest but don’t tell people things that will gross them out. You shouldn’t tell people things that aren’t necessary or that will make them wonder what you are up to. Keep things simple and fun.






Cakes McCain
/ January 14, 2013Totally! I think it’s a defect – like being socially awkward. It’s just automatic for them and they don’t realize it.
While riding the elevator at work one time I was having a dialogue and I apologized to a guy (one I actually kissed at an office party months before) because of my funny speech – I confessed I just had dental surgery on my gums and had a bandage in my mouth – this my funny voice. I didn’t want him to think I was eating and talking or something. He then pointed my attention to the fact he had a huge COLD SORE near his lip for about 3 weeks! I mean gross! And call me picky but oral hygene can be a deal breaker.
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013It can be and I get socially awkward but I can’t imagine that would come up in any conversation. “Oh, by the way, I don’t brush my teeth.” It isn’t something you say and the cold sore thing is gross too but at least you got a heads up.
Cakes McCain
/ January 15, 2013hahahah! yeah good point!
trjensen
/ January 20, 2013trjensen
/ January 15, 2013It can be and I get socially awkward but I can’t imagine that would come up in any conversation. “Oh, by the way, I don’t brush my teeth.” It isn’t something you say and the cold sore thing is gross too but at least you got a heads up.
honeywata
/ January 14, 2013What ya don’t know,won’t hurt ya.IJS
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013Exactly! Some people share some things I would never say out loud and I am a over sharer. It seems like common sense to me.
honeywata
/ January 14, 2013Reblogged this on hot wata n honey.
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013Thank you!
smittenwithhim
/ January 14, 2013Please forgive me for being Devil’s Advocate here, but what if he doesn’t spend that much time with other adults? If he’s moving around or traveling a lot maybe his young son is the only person with whom he actually gets to spend any quality time (or conversate).
When my daughters were a lot younger I watched Sesame Street and Barney and Blue’s Clues all the time… I think that can get to a person after a while…
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013I understand socially awkward but discussing your hygiene habits in a public place… It was weird.
Viciously Sweet
/ January 14, 2013That guy and his teeth are so gross. I guess I’m a minority that likes to keep some mystery in all that I do. I have a coworker that says things like about their bowel movements… and that it only happens about once a week for a half an hour and there is a lot of blood involved in this special time. Usually I get told this during lunch. I like to call it, “Things I never wanted to think about” Vol. 12
But since I know it, I’m passing it on. I hope you are not eating food while thinking about it… that is never pleasant.
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013I wasn’t eating. I used to work with a woman who discuss her chronic yeast infections during lunch, to large groups of female coworkers. One day my friend leaned over and asked with a chuckle, “Are you hearing this?” I didn’t even look up. “I am trying not to,” I deadpanned. She died laughing. People can be gross.
licensedmentalhealthcounselor
/ January 14, 2013Your blog always makes me laugh and enlightens me at the same time. What more can a guy ask for lol. Thank you.
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013I am so glad. That is what I aim for!
nancyelauzon
/ January 15, 2013Probably he was thinking he should brush his teeth more often, and didn’t realize he’d said it out loud, LOL!
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013Well he did! Gross, gross, gross.
luv2sex.info
/ January 15, 2013maybe he was lonely at that moment and just wanted to find someone to chat with!
trjensen
/ January 15, 2013He may very well have been just chatting but I wouldn’t just announce I don’t brush my teeth in public.
Growing Up Little
/ January 16, 2013I love your blog and I have nominated YOU for The Versatile Blogger Award! If you wish to accept, check out the post at http://growinguplittle.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/versatile-blogger-award/
CONGRATS!
trjensen
/ January 20, 2013Thank you!!!! This is awesome!
bossymoksie
/ January 18, 2013He was trying to be cute to his son AND you…And it backfired.
trjensen
/ January 20, 2013He was sweet with his boy but that other thing was TMI.
Pink Ninjabi
/ January 19, 2013Man! Where was this post many moons ago?
trjensen
/ January 20, 2013Haha!