Patti and Jim 4-22-11

Whenever I notice two single clients of the opposite engrossed in conversation, I wait as long as possible before interrupting them for an exercise set. Upon contemplating their suitability for each other, I may even encourage further conversation.  Such was the case last June when Patti and Jim (definitely their real names) began to converse. Patti mentioned Ireland and how she hoped to visit again one day. Jim was on a treadmill, overheard, and mentioned that he had visited two years prior. A brief conversation ensued. I knew that Jim had not dated since his divorce. Jim had confessed to me privately (except soon 6,000 readers will know) that he had not dated since his divorce three years ago. I decided he was very rusty and needed my help. Patti had made some feeble attempts since her divorce, but had a run of bad luck with several losers in a row and was now a bit gun shy. Their conversation lapsed into glances at each other. But I have been matchmaking for over 25 years and had no intention of allowing the pause to be a permanent one. I patiently waited until they were in close proximity, and then pounced on Patti with questions (I call this my "Johnny Carson" act as I "interview" first one, then the other.) I asked Patti what other countries she had visited, recalling that Jim had once owned a travel agency and was bound to be good for a few more comments if they had each been to the same place. Patti had been to many other countries, and so had Jim! The match had already taken flight, I was well on my way to yet another success...or so I thought. It turned out the two of them combined had more "date rust" on them than Mother Theresa.