Big City, Small World

Some people think that Chicago is this bustling metropolis full of millions of people you will only see once. Well I disagree. Chicago is a lot like a small town. You get to know your neighbors and build relationships in your community and you quickly realize that people you would never think would know eachother do. And if you date someone in Chicago you will run into them again even if you don’t run in the same social circles or live in the same area of the city. Because just like a small town, everyone knows everyone in Chicago.

I was having breakfast at a diner near my home one Sunday morning with my husband. I walk in to the diner and who do I see sitting on the counter, none other than my ex-boyfriend. He was sitting there with his cup of coffee and three opened text books. I thought to myself “holy crap.”  He didn't see me when I walked in because he had his back turned to the front door. When my husband and I were seated I could still see him but he couldn't see me. I told my hubby that my ex was at the counter and he asked if I was going to say hello. Now, my husband is good friends with all of his ex's, but I will write about that later. So to him it's perfectly natural to go and say hello. I, on the other hand, dated guys and fell hard for them, and then would have painful break ups….I never wanted to see them again. But living in a small town like Chicago it happens all the time. I've even ran into my sister's ex-boyfriend.

I sat there at my table trying to enjoy my breakfast but I couldn't. I had this huge flood of memories come over me. I remembered our first date our first kiss. I remembered staying out too late together going to visit him at work. I remembered the time he went to Ireland while we were together and wrote me a letter for each day he was gone. I remembered how we would go all over the city and how he would never let go of my hand. I also remembered the heart break when things didn't work out. I remember thinking to myself he's going to call again I know he will. But he never did and neither did I.  So, I sat there and told myself that I needed to be an adult and go over and say hello. No big deal right? Well it was….what’s worse than running into your ex? Let's see, how about running into your ex with your husband. Why you ask? Because now I have to introduce them, so that's exactly what I did.

We finished our breakfast, headed to the door, and then I walked over to the counter and I tapped my ex-boyfriend on the shoulder. He turned and quickly realized it was me. He gave me a hug and told me that I looked good. Then I turned to my husband, looked and my ex and said "Eric I want you to meet my husband, Eric." Yes, that's right they have the same name. So awkward! I just stood there and thought to myself, “oh lord I'm standing in between two men that have seen me completely naked!” I wanted to run out of the restaurant but I kept telling myself to be polite and to be an adult. I asked about his life, he asked about mine, and it was actually a very pleasant experience. Turns out he owns a home near mine, and I drive past his house every day after I drop my kid off at school. Oh the joys of living in a small town!

Cheers,

Mimi