“Do you girls come here often?”

We glance at one another and I immediately hate myself for opening my big fat mouth.

“No this is our first time.”

“Where are you from?”

Cautiously Reagan and I look at one another.

“Cleveland”

We were in pain.

“I’m from Denvmerk”

“Where?”

“Denmark”

In my best dumb girl voice, “Oh is that near Russia?”

That should have been clue number one. I see my phone light up in a manner that tells me E.T. is phoning home knowing its Kristina and reach for the safety net. Grabbing Reagan’s knee I mouth, ‘I’m sorry, be right back.’ The return expression on her face says it all, ‘BITCH’.

Five minutes later I’m back at the bar listening to how the creep told her he could see he was making her uncomfortable and kissed her a goodbye on both cheeks.

“I’m done with dating and men like that.”

“We’re all done with men like that.”

“I just get so tired of dealing with guys saying stupid things out at bars. What’s the point?”

Not like we have to tell you, but we don’t exactly have the best track record with men. The one’s who have the most effect rarely end up being discussed. We get cagey.

I’ve never been one of those girls who follow the rules. If something is good and feels right I tread cautiously and know he’s bound to kiss my forehead and tell me what I need to hear. I’m always afraid of coming off to needy. I hate that word NEEDY. Needy should be a word reserved only for babies and toddlers. They need to rely on others. In the end, it’s not about feeling needy that brings me turmoil it’s finding that balance and the equality.

As far as being understanding of shady behavior; that’s a crock of shit. In the end there’s really nothing understanding about it. I’ve been the pin up model of the modern gal with a rough exterior shaking off the hurt and pain when shady sets in. In the end, I’ve ended up with a bruised ego and several three month relationships.

“The point is finding your equal.”

“Who walks beside you.”

“And not in front of you.”