The next night I met Kevin at 6:30 at the Oak Room. I was sure to wear my tallest pair of heels to emphasize the height issue he'd apparently overlooked when comparing our profiles. I gave him props for standing a whopping 5'2 and still pursuing a girl who's ideal date was half a foot taller than him.

One quick drink and I'm outta there, I promised the Banshee. She was not amused. Not even a little bit. Not even when Kevin stood to greet me, and had to strain to reach my cheek for a brief introductory peck. Which, since this came up, am I the only one who feels a kiss on the cheek in a first time greeting is a bit strained (yes, I know, this coming from the girl who slept with at least half her first dates...) that just me? Anyway, I digress.

But speaking of strained, the conversation between Kevin and I was incredibly strained. It was obvious that even though I had tried to let him down and he insisted we still go out anyway, he had his feathers rumpled, his panties in a bunch and it was almost as if he was trying to be rude intentionally because I had hurt his feelings.

He immediately started interrogating me about why it was I didn't feel he and I were compatible.

"Kevin, I already told you why," I said exasperated. It was bad enough rejecting someone via email and chat, but in person? After you've already rejected them through other media is painful. Oh.so.painful. I sucked it up as partial punishment from Karma.

"Well, I know what you told me, but I want to know the real reasons," he insisted.

"Look. I don't date republicans. Period. That in and of itself should be enough reason."

"That's the most ridiculous reason I've ever heard. That's not a real reason. That's a cop-out."

"No, it's not. I'm liberal, both politically and socially. Our fundamental belief systems couldn't be more different," I tried to explain.

"I know plenty of couples who have split ballots come election day, it's not a deal breaker," he argued. "Just because you vote one way doesn't mean you can't get along."

"It is for me. I don't agree with your beliefs. You are a republican not because you buy into the candidate, you buy into the mentality, and Kevin, I'm sorry, but I don't want to spend my life debating with someone about stuff like climate change, gay marriage, immigration and the war."

"But that's what keeps the spark alive!"

"No, it's what puts the fire out. Look, you're a perfectly nice guy. But you are not the guy for me. Trust me on this one. The guy I want to be with will share in my same values. And I just don't see that happening between us."

It was true; I believed this, but I was trying to milk this excuse for all it was worth, because honestly, the even bigger issue for me was his height. He could've been as liberal as they come but at 5'2? It wasn't gonna happen, and I wanted to try like hell to avoid pinpointing any physical attributes as a reason because I'm sure the guy had heard it all before.

"I still think you're making this out to be a bigger deal than it really is," Kevin said. "besides, I like feisty women. It's sexy."

Rejecting him was turning out to be harder than I expected. I'd never encountered a guy who so adamantly rejected being rejected. Seeing my drink was almost finished, I wanted to finish what I came to do and be done with it.

"Look, Kevin, I'm sorry. But you and I are just too different. I don't see this working out, okay?"

He shook his head as he took a drink of his gin and tonic. "We're not that different. We're both goal oriented, hard working and true to our convictions," he insisted.

"Okay, kids. You want kids! I don't! I hate kids!"

He laughed. "No you don't. No woman hates kids. Your biological clock hasn't gone off yet. Just wait, you'll see. You're gonna be a great mom."

This guy was unbelievable. "Actually, no. You know what?" I finished my drink, stood up, and grabbed my bag. "Kevin, thank you for the drink. It was nice to meet you and I wish you all the best in finding your match."

He stood up, surprised that I was leaving just like that. "What, you're leaving? At least let me give you a ride home," he said, hurriedly throwing some cash on the table.

"Thank you, but no. I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather not." I extended my hand for a polite handshake good night, and left.

Kevin emailed me twice more to try and convince me that we were a good match. I'm happy to say that I did not respond and was pretty sure Karma understood why.