The Pick Up Artist

Since moving from Wyoming I have really enjoyed spending much long lost time with Amy. I missed her so much the last seven years. However, I quickly realized that I needed to branch out and make other friends because I knew I couldn't put the entire burden of my social life on just one person. The problem is that it has always taken me awhile to make new friends since I'm not one of those "friendly" types who can just go up and talk to anyone. So, I asked Amy for some advice because she seems very popular to me.

She told me I should join a mom's group for our neighborhood. Which is a good idea except that the one in our area meets on Mondays which is one of the two days a week I work. The other more intriguing idea she told me about was "picking up" other moms. You know, at the park or the mall or something. Not that she has done this. But, she has been picked up a few times. So, basically, some total stranger with a kid has asked her for her phone number to set up a play date! Apparently, this is not an uncommon practice in the mom world. I was fascinated and also a little bit jealous. It's kind of like when you were in high school and the cute boy talked to your friend but not to you. So, you're happy for your friend but at the same time you're wondering what's wrong with yourself.

Well, I have spent many hours at local parks and malls and never been approached by another mom until two weeks ago. Mike and I had taken Jake to the neighborhood park to swing one morning when a mom with a son the same age as Jake came over and sat down beside us. We had actually met once before on a morning walk. She was very nice and friendly and we had a nice chat talking about the boys. Just as we were getting ready to leave she asked me for my phone number! I swear my hands got sweaty and I had butterflies in my stomach. I gave her the number and said it would be great to get together sometime and she said she would call me. That was at least two weeks ago. I have not heard a word. And I know my phone is working because I've checked it on multiple occasions.

So, my question is what could I have possibly done wrong in the last two minutes of our conversation to put her off? Did I come across as being desperate? I mean, she's the one who picked me up, and right in front of my husband! Was it because when I stood up she realized that I don't know how to dress? I'm just not cool enough? Or maybe she thought I was too cool for her. That's probably it. Or is there some sort of waiting period you have to go through before a person you barely know can call you? You know, just like a guy never calls you the day after he gets your number or takes you out. What could the mom calling mom waiting period possibly be? I know I should just get over it, but I can't stop thinking about where I went wrong. Oh, mama from the park, why do you forsake me?

Well, the person we should really feel sorry for here is Amy. It looks like she will be in charge of my entire social life after all. May the force be with her.