{"id":742,"date":"2025-04-13T08:20:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T07:20:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=742"},"modified":"2025-04-13T08:20:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T07:20:56","slug":"addisons-life-revolves-around-her-demanding-job-as-a-neurologist-leaving-little-time-for-romance-when-her-cheerful-coworker-nathan-sets-her-up-on-a-blind-date-with-a-seemingly-perfect-guy-n","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=742","title":{"rendered":"Addison\u2019s life revolves around her demanding job as a neurologist, leaving little time for romance. When her cheerful coworker Nathan sets her up on a blind date with a seemingly perfect guy named Jake, she finally feels a spark of hope. However, after Addison shares her three-year dating rule, her date abruptly leaves. What went wrong?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I always thought my life would stay the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day in and day out, the hospital consumed all my time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is Addison, and I work as a neurologist. My days are filled with patients, charts, and endless rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a fulfilling job, but it leaves little room for anything else, especially dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One day, while grabbing a quick coffee in the break room, my coworker Nathan walked in with a bright smile on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan is always in a good mood, no matter how stressful the day gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Addison,\u201d Nathan said, leaning against the counter. \u201cHow do you feel about blind dates?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I laughed, almost spilling my coffee. \u201cBlind dates? Nathan, you know my schedule. I barely have time to eat, let alone date.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan chuckled. \u201cI know, but hear me out. My friend Jake is a great guy. He\u2019s kind, funny, and I think you two would hit it off. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I paused, considering it. I hadn\u2019t been on a date in ages, and the idea of meeting someone new was intriguing. Plus, Nathan seemed genuinely excited about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, then,\u201d I said, smiling. \u201cYou\u2019ve convinced me. When\u2019s this magical date happening?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan\u2019s face lit up. \u201cReally?? How about next Tuesday night? It\u2019s the only evening that works for both of you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next Tuesday. I mentally checked my calendar. It was one of the rare nights I didn\u2019t have a late shift or any other commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNext Tuesday works for me,\u201d I said. \u201cLet\u2019s do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan grinned. \u201cGreat! I\u2019ll set it up and text you the details. You won\u2019t regret this, Addison,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see that,\u201d I laughed and finished my coffee quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I walked back to my office, I felt both excited and nervous. It had been so long since I had gone on a date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My life had become a routine of work and more work, with little time for anything else. But maybe this was what I needed \u2014 a chance to step out of my comfort zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of patient consultations and medical charts. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the upcoming date. Maybe, just maybe, this blind date with Jake would be the start of something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday night, I arrived at the quaint restaurant Nathan had suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inside<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was cozy, with dim lighting and a warm ambiance that immediately put me at ease. As I walked in, I spotted a man sitting at a table near the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked up, smiled, and waved me over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This must be Jake, <\/em>I thought to myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAddison?\u201d he asked as I approached the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, and you must be Jake,\u201d I replied with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple on a date | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We shook hands, and I took a seat. Almost immediately, the waitress came over to take our drink orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have a glass of red wine, please,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have the same,\u201d Jake added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the waitress left, we started chatting. Jake was easy to talk to, and I felt my initial nervousness melt away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, Nathan tells me you\u2019re a neurologist,\u201d he said, looking genuinely interested. \u201cThat must be a challenging job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple lost in each other\u2019s eyes | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d I nodded. \u201cBut I love it. What about you? What do you do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a graphic designer,\u201d Jake replied. \u201cI work freelance, so my schedule is pretty flexible. It\u2019s a lot of fun, especially when I get to work on creative projects.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our drinks arrived, and we ordered appetizers \u2014 stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta. As we nibbled on the delicious food, we continued to talk about our lives, hobbies, and interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love hiking and photography,\u201d Jake said, taking a sip of his wine. \u201cThere\u2019s something about being in nature that\u2019s so refreshing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A male photographer | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to get into photography,\u201d I said. \u201cBut I never seem to find the time. Maybe you could give me some tips?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to,\u201d Jake said with a smile. \u201cIt\u2019s all about finding the right light and angle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the evening went on, I found myself more and more charmed by Jake. He was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We laughed a lot, and it felt like I had known him for much longer than just one evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A cozy couple | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we moved on to our main course, Jake looked at me with a smile. \u201cSo, Addison, how about we ask each other some more personal questions to break the ice further?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure, that sounds good,\u201d I said. \u201cWhat do you want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Food<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Food | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake leaned in slightly. \u201cHow about your one-to-five-year plan? What are your goals?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I took a moment to think. \u201cWell, I hope to advance in my career as a neurologist,\u201d I began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe get promoted to a senior position. I also want to decorate my apartment; it feels too plain right now,\u201d I continued. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about getting a pet, maybe a cat or a small dog. And I\u2019d love to travel more, see new places, and experience different cultures. Oh, and I want to expand my bookshelf with my favorite novels. I love reading!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pile<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat sounds wonderful. You have a lot of exciting plans!\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d I asked, curious to hear about his future plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to grow my freelance business,\u201d Jake said. \u201cMaybe open my own studio one day. I also love traveling, so I\u2019d like to visit more countries. And, believe it or not, I\u2019ve been thinking about getting a pet too. A dog, probably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A dog | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We laughed at the coincidence, and it felt nice to find common ground!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, how do you feel about marriage and family?\u201d Jake further asked as he sipped his wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this is where it all went horribly wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A family | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonestly, I\u2019d love to find a partner to share my life with,\u201d I told him, \u201csomeone who understands and supports me. But marriage isn\u2019t a necessity for me. If it happens, great, but if not, that\u2019s okay too. As for children, I don\u2019t see myself having any. For now. I\u2019m happy with my career and personal goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake leaned forward, looking serious. \u201cWhat if you found the perfect guy? How long before you\u2019d marry him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThree years,\u201d I said. \u201cI believe in building a strong foundation. Six months to really get to know someone, a year of serious dating, and a year and a half of living together before considering engagement or marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake\u2019s face changed, his friendly expression replaced by a frown. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. \u201cThree years? That\u2019s a long time. What if someone wants a quicker timeline?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An upset man | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I felt a knot forming in my stomach. \u201cWell, uh, I think it\u2019s important to take time to build a strong relationship. I\u2019m pretty confident about my three-year-plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake\u2019s frown deepened, and he abruptly called the waitress. \u201cCheck, please,\u201d he said curtly. She looked confused but quickly brought the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A waitress | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJake, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d I asked as he stood up, but he didn\u2019t bother to answer. He paid and walked out of the restaurant without a glance back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sat there, stunned and hurt. What just happened?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, at home, I couldn\u2019t stop thinking about the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How could Jake just leave like that?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding I needed answers, I messaged him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sent a selfie we took together and wrote, \u201cHey Jake, why did you leave so suddenly? I thought we were having a great time.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few minutes later, his reply came: \u201cDon\u2019t contact me again. You\u2019re indecisive and not serious about what you want.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, he blocked me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stared at my phone in disbelief. Was I really that off base?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day at work, I noticed Nathan giving me strange glances. Gathering my courage, I decided to confront him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNathan, what did Jake tell you? You know why he left, don\u2019t you?\u201d I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan looked uncomfortable and shifted on his feet. \u201cYou messed it up, Addy,\u201d he said. \u201cJake\u2026 told me you were wasting his time. He wanted something serious. He was looking for marriage, and you\u2026 you weren\u2019t the best person for him. Sorry, I gotta go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sad doc | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I couldn\u2019t believe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lunch break, I called my best friend, Sophie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Addison. How did the date go?\u201d was the first thing she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sighed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing on me. \u201cIt started great, but then it ended terribly. Jake left abruptly after I talked about my three-year plan, and then he blocked me when I asked him why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sophie\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cHe did what? That\u2019s ridiculous! What exactly happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recounted every detail, my voice trembling slightly as I relived the evening. When I finished, Sophie shook her head. \u201cAddison, being honest about your expectations is important. If he couldn\u2019t handle that, it\u2019s his loss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stop wondering if my three-year rule is really that strange, Sophie,\u201d I admitted, my voice breaking a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Sophie said firmly. \u201cEveryone has their own timeline and needs. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. If he couldn\u2019t appreciate that, he wasn\u2019t the right guy for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. But it didn\u2019t ease all my worries. Was I wrong to be upfront about my expectations? Should I have kept it to myself?<\/em> All I know is that being honest about what I want is important, even if it means losing a date like Jake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I always thought my life would stay the same. Day in and day out, the hospital consumed all my time. A smiling young doctor | […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":743,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=742"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":744,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/742\/revisions\/744"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/743"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}