Being a plus one

I was a friend's plus one this weekend. A guy who I met a couple of years ago when I used a shared workspace. He's in his sixties; a widower. I stopped using the workspace about a year ago but every now and then I'd get a text asking how I was getting on. Then few weeks ago he mentioned a school reunion was being organised. He invited me to go along as his plus one. At first I really didn't want to go but then thought this guy lost his wife and never had kids etc so I agreed.

It was at the old boys clubhouse which was ok and the food was very nice, just a set menu with three courses but pretty ok.

The funniest thing was being nearly 20 years younger than him I was pretty much the youngest there apart from one girl who chatted to me she was her dad's plus one he also a widower. I seemed to be the topic of a few conversations. I mentioned this to Martin as I drove him home, I was happy to be driver as I never drink. "Yes I neither confirmed or denied our relationship status when I was asked. Let them imagine what they like" he chuckled .I think it made him happy that many of his old school friends were it seems jealous of him. 🤣🤣🤣

Eidolon · M

It's actually really lovely to read something like this - someone going out of their way to do something that brings another person happiness, lifts their spirits, and makes them feel good about themselves, without expecting anything in return.
Sometimes, simply being there for someone can mean more than we realize.

The only thing I'd be a little cautious about, though, is the possibility of mixed signals. For a widower who has lost his life partner, the companionship and attention might mean more to him than just having a plus one for the evening. I sincerely hope he hasn't been given reason to believe there's something more if that's not the case, because being left holding feelings that aren't reciprocated can be its own kind of torture that you inflict.

Kindness is a beautiful thing, especially when it asks for nothing in return. I just hope that, in making him happy, his heart has also been handled with care

Eidolon · M

@KatyO83 just be explicit about that k? us men tend to not get a clear message until and unless the message is explicitly clear.

Muthafukajones · 46-50, M

That’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed yourself! It’s nice to be seen with a younger woman! Good times!