✓ All the fun, practically none of the poop
✓ Virtually unlimited attention span!
✓ Cute as a frigging button
✓ Matches most decors!
✓ Quickly measure your partner's wavelength
Like the idea of determining your long-term compatibility with that special someone, but don't want to spoil the prom by bringing up topics which might result in too much honesty too soon? Then take them to an antique store (there's a left turn you didn't see coming)!
Although it doesn't have to be an antique store; it can be anything you enjoy, which you can do together, with them, at the same time. I suggest antiquing because I've always liked the feelings I experience while perusing a well-curated antique mall's smells (musk of library-garage-attic), sounds (mid-century album rock) and the 'new' memories that creep back front-and-center. This is step one.
You've invited them to accompany you to do something you enjoy and they've agreed (if they also like doing this with you, maybe this could become a you-guy's thing). This might also let you know if they're on your wavelength; because if they don't like doing this simple thing that requires no additional skills (which is why you didn't invite them to poker night or scrapbook-club or horseback riding) maybe they are not that specific flavor of unusual you are searching for. This is step two.
You find a never-seen-by-you-before, life-sized, cardboard cut-out, of a crawling infant in a diaper, for sale. You begin to read the marketing points and snort-giggle so forcefully that a significant quantity of snot leaves your nostril and lands on your shirt. You wipe it off but it's still kinda noticeable. This is step three.
What are their reactions? Do they share your sense of humor? Are they cringing at the idea that you're willing to pay twenty dollars for this odd-harmless item (which is obviously going to be displayed in your home in the near future)? Are they at all embarrassed by the booger stain?
Step four is simple. Find someone who already thinks the way you think, and already sees the world similarly to the way you do. Not someone who seems willing to adapt or says they'll, "try to see things your way". And definitely not someone who only prefers your company when you're doing things they like to do.
more:
