Dating Nightmare #1 - Can You Spare A Kidney?

During mid spring, I received an email from David via an online dating site, and I checked out his profile.  According to his profile, he is a well educated, 44 year old, management executive, looking to expand his circle of friends.

Interesting.  We exchanged several online messages, and eventually decided to meet for lunch, at a popular Asian food restaurant.  

Promptly seated, we place our lunch order, and chat.  Turns out that he is taking the summer off from work.  When I ask him if he is doing anything in particular, he tells me that he is getting a kidney transplant.  Having never known anyone that has been through anything like that, I'm kinda naturally intrigued, and ask him about the donor.  He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a tube with a swab in it, and asks me if I would like "swab" for him.  

At first, I thought he was joking.  Then I realized this wasn't a joke.  David was serious.  He was essentially asking me if I could spare a kidney!

"Are you kidding?" I asked.

"No, I'm not." He replied.  "It could save a life."

"So, have you been meeting guys off Match.com, looking for kidney?"

"My donor fell through, so my transplant team suggested that I should ask people I meet to swab for compatibility.  After all, you only need one."

"No, really.  I need both."

"No need to be rude.  You really only need one."

At that moment, lunch arrived.  It had to be one of the most awkward meals I've ever had.  I barely even drank any water, as I didn't want to have to go to the bathroom, and take a chance that he might slip anything into my meal!  I know, I know, that's a little over dramatic, but really?  REALLY? 

While I can appreciate that he may seriously be in need of a kidney, I couldn't help but wonder if he should be out eating Asian food.

The meal wrapped up slowly.  Silently.  We split the bill.  I left.

I had to "phone a friend" and ask her to stay on the phone with me all the way home.  I even took a longer route home, and doubled back several times.

While I certainly have great respect for anyone that finds themselves in need of a kidney, I just don't think that going onto a dating site to meet guys over lunch, and asking them to "swab" is appropriate.

But, that's just me.

Ugh.

[In order to protect the "innocent", all dates I write about are called "David" or "Dave".  Any resemblances to actual Davids or Daves, Jims, James, Toms, Mikes, or Greggs, living or dead is purely coincidental.  Oh, and all nightmare dates are delayed by at least 90 days, "just because".]