No expectations yield . . .

. . . excellent results.

I really tried—and I think I mostly succeeded—to go into today's coffee date with no expectations. How much can you really know about someone based on an internet profile and a few e-mail exchanges? Not much, and I tried my best not to flesh things out with my own made-up details, tempting as it was.

We had a great time. We spent about an hour chatting over coffee, then we took a stroll and ate some ice cream. Coffee + ice cream = near-perfection for me, so on that alone, the afternoon would not have been a total loss.

What was even better was that we had a lot to talk about. His work is really interesting. We talked a lot about our kids, and showed off pictures. He asked about John, in a really kind and gentle way, and handled the resulting delicate situation with grace, poise, and compassion. In between kid stories, we talked of world travels, politics, and bits and pieces of our backgrounds.

We also talked about what we'd like to do the next time we get together. He travels a ton for work and will be a way for a little while starting tomorrow, but a dinner date is brewing for when he returns.

Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.