It all begins with a flick of an opposable digit, just that one simple finger
That determines whether one’s gaze will more than just briefly linger

She’s hoping that your “hello” won’t come with a hot, baby, or sexy
These needless platitudes only contribute to her anxiety

She knows at some point you’ll ask her out to coffee to test for in-person compatibility
Do you think she’ll be different from the Jessica, Tiffany, or Marie you saw just last week?

She doesn’t want to feel the need to compete to be your one and only
She knows you’re probably telling every woman out there the exact same thing

Every meeting that follows is contrived; every date after becomes cheap
Because you can’t commit to actual responsibility

Though something changed after she got to actually know you
Days spent talking about everything and anything, staying up past two

Now you can’t swipe her away after months of actual human connection
The woman you met was full of insecurities; she lacks any of this so-called perfection

Are they dating? Are they just friends? You really need to be clear –
The boundaries are muddled, especially after you started calling her “dear”

Then when you’re holding her hand
And telling her of future plans

Like paired costume choices for conventions and holidays next year
Those are the types of promises that make her fear

What will happen next? Sometimes you’ll slip up and mention an ex
You know who that most affects?

The woman who was once just a pretty, smiling picture on a screen
She came to life after you asked her out to coffee

When she was a little girl, she dreamed of true love’s kiss
Though she was realistic enough to know it wouldn’t be a prince

She grew up now; she doesn’t want to interfere
With an invisible woman standing in the mirror

Now that’s the catch to modern dating
You can’t get attached, or it will be so disappointing

– Raisa Alexis Santos