The universe did a strange thing a few days after things ended with New Guy. It sent me somebody else, just to make sure I got the message.
As a bit of a background, I know this guy from high school. We always flirted, but nothing ever came of it. I am apparently one of very few women who gets the “unfiltered” version of him; as a result, he simultaneously fascinates and disgusts me.
So anyway, about three days after things ended with New Guy, this guy sends me a text telling me that he has always found me extremely attractive. He sent me a few explicit texts, which I’m not going to lie…made me feel good.
However.
As I stated above, this guy fascinates me, but he also disgusts me. In fact, he disgusts me to such a degree that I can’t figure out why I even talk to him. Then I figured out why: he has the charisma and cockiness that I almost always fall for.
I seem to like Salesman/politician types. In the past, I’ve bought whatever bill of goods they’re selling, without questioning it. For example, New Guy told me that he valued honesty and communication. I believed him, because he was a good Salesman (and I am apparently gullible).
New Guy, my Ex, and this guy from high school all sell themselves like they’re on the Home Shopping Network. They tell me about all their wonderful qualities, and I’m ready to buy within moments. With New Guy, I thought I was signing up for something with one low payment of $19.99. Easy and quick — it was supposed to be a “learning” experience. Unfortunately, I fell in love with the product, and it was not well made. Plus, the Shipping & Handling fee was insane and not clearly stated at the time of purchase.
Luckily, he wasn’t as bad as my Ex. With him, I thought I’d signed up for a low monthly payment plan for something like a fancy mop. As it turned out, I didn’t read the fine print very well. He was a subscription plan with monthly installments of $599.99, and it was extremely hard for me to get out of the contract. In fact, even after getting out of the contract, I still can’t get rid of the scratches he left in my hardwood floors, and I keep getting boxes of cleaning solution sent to my house.
I realize this analogy is a little weird, but the point is this: when you buy what a Salesman is selling, there’s no way to be prepared for what you’re actually going to pay.
There’s no way to read the fine print before you buy, because they purposefully hide it from you.
This guy from high school is a Salesman. And you know what I realized? He might be fun…but there is no such thing as “no strings attached” for me, especially not with a Salesman. It simply isn’t worth it.
In the past, I haven’t been able to recognize Salesmen for what they are. I’m dazzled by their flashy packaging and glossy words, and I find myself throwing caution to the wind, even if my intuition tells me that something doesn’t add up.
I am hoping that, the next time I meet one, I’ll see the Salesman for what he is. The universe just sent me a test, and I passed this time. Here’s hoping I’ve finally learned this lesson.
