How to Dissaude a Pursuer

There I was, sitting at work enjoying my day. I like my job because I get to sit behind a desk and greet clients and interact with the public.

This client walks in, and as a precursor here, I know he's been interested in me for about the last ten months. Sort of those...."like at first" sight moments. He's always been nice to me, but you know...it's just awkward when you know someone likes you.

But anyway...

So he comes in, and makes general small talk and then asks, "Do you live up here? I never see you around." (This is because where I live is a place for retirees and for people who like to go to bars and party, of which I am neither) Then he asks if I have any friends up here (No! Notta one! ...not.)


I explain as much as I can, and give him what he originally came for and he is on his way. Except that half an hour later, he's back. I greet him again in typical fashion inwardly cringing because I know it's coming...and sure enough he asks:

"Would you like a new friend up here?" (Seriously?)

And of course, I'm the kind of person who can't say no right off the bat, so I sort of give a mumbled "maybe...?"

Well, we get to talking and turns out we have some things in common. He's going into the medical field, and so we share stories of patient care, listening to lung sounds and how hard it is to figure out what it is you're listening to, etc.

Meanwhile, all I can think is "He's going to ask for my number soon..." (I've always hated that initial, "Yeah! Let's exchange numbers! Totally!" deal.

As this is running through my head, I have a secondary, brilliant idea to ask him if he goes to church. Simple question, right? So I ask him, and it is as if the conversation comes to a grinding, screeching halt. You would have thought I asked him "Do you want to get married this weekend?"

He tells me, no, he does not go to church. He asks me if I do, and I respond with a yes and we chat for a minute more about it, and then just like that, he leaves.

Aah, a big sigh of relief! No asking for my number, no promises for future hang out sessions, nothing.

I go back to my nice and enjoyable workday. And then the phone rang. (Again, totally normal. I work in a vet clinic; of course the phone is going to ring)

I answer in my chipper voice, and I get in return:

"Hey Sarah, this is ______ " (the guy who I had just seen and avoided being asked out by)

He goes on to tell me that he really appreciates that I told him about my "religious beliefs" (Really, I didn't. I just told him I go to Church.) but that, it simply won't work in a relationship. Wait, I'm sorry. Did we discuss dating each other? Did I miss something?

And then he tells me sayanara, and disconnects.

So, lesson learned. If you don't want to go out with a guy/girl, just ask them if they go to Church. Apparently, the idea is appalling.