Thank You, Steve Alexander!

This thank you will take a little longer than most, but it's worth the time.

In 2002, during a dating drought, I came up with the bright idea (after a few drinks, natch) to place a personals ad in The Hill, where I worked at the time. The ad, which was placed both for me and a friend, said we were looking for smart, single, professional men within roughly the 23-to-38-year-old range (we were both 28 at the time).

Shortly after the ad ran, I received an e-mail response from a guy named Steve Alexander. He seemed bright, had a good job working for a government agency, and was a real renaissance man, owning an "extensive" wine collection and making his own pasta. What a catch!

I was even able to do a kind of "character reference" on Steve by talking on the phone with a co-worker of his at the same government agency (who I knew through a friend). He checked out. After a number of e-mail exchanges with Steve, he was sounding better and better.

Steve and I finally agreed we would meet up for coffee one afternoon. This was during my week off in August, so on the appointed day, I changed my outfit numerous times, primped (including exfoliating) and thought about what Steve and I would talk about. I was pretty excited.

At the agreed-upon hour, I waited for Steve. All of a sudden, a male friend of mine walked up, and handed me a bag with a bottle of wine inside, and a note. "I'm sorry I'm not Steve Alexander," it said. And the note suggested I not look in the personals section to find dates.

It worked. I haven't placed, or answered, a personals ad since. And I should point out that while this idea was the brainchild of one friend (who shall remain anonymous on this blog), several others played supporting roles. (A more complete version of this story ran in The Hill in October 2002; copies are available upon request. Ideas for practical jokes are also encouraged.)

A good lesson learned. So, Steve, thank you for giving me an amusing story to share, the bottle of wine from your "collection" and for your donation. When I think of you during the walk, I'll have a good laugh about this -- it's worth at least a mile. :)