I really blew it last night. I finally asked my neighbor, Fatima, out on a date and she walked out on me in the middle of it. 

I didn’t blame her. I wanted to make a good impression on her, but I felt I was floundering a half an hour into the date. I decided to liven things up a bit with a few drinks. I got carried away and got stinking [bad word]  What an idiot! I had to call her to apologize. 

Fatima: Hello. 

Rob: Uh, hi, Fatima. This is Rob calling. 

Fatima: Oh. 

Rob: Please don’t hang up. I need to apologize for my atrocious behavior last night. I was a real jerk and I’m really, really sorry. 

Fatima: I appreciate the apology. Thanks, but I have to go now. 

Rob: Hold on one second, please! I want to explain. I thought I was boring you at the beginning of the date and that’s why I started in on the drinks. I’m not normally a lush, really! I was nervous and worried that things weren’t going well, and I thought a couple of drinks would loosen me up. 

Fatima: Okay, I understand that, but that doesn’t excuse the groping. 

Rob: Groping? What groping? 

Fatima: You don’t remember? You insisted on a goodnight kiss. 

Rob: I did? It’s all a blur. I don’t remember anything after you called me a creep. 

Fatima: You tried to kiss me and I walked out. Can you blame me? 

Rob: No, I can’t. I deserved much worse. After that, I can also understand why you’d never want to speak to me again. Is there any way I can make it up to you? 

Fatima: I really don’t know... 

Rob: I promise not to have a drop of alcohol. 

Fatima: I’ll have to think about it. 

Rob: And I’ll have both of my hands tied behind my back the entire time. 

Fatima: Maybe. Let me sleep on it. 

At least it wasn’t a “no.” There’s a glimmer of hope for a second chance!