Date With The Son

Did you ever go on a date with your son or daughter?

If you didn't, I highly recommend it. And no, you don't have to wait until your kid is a grown up, as mine is by now.

I used to go out on dates with Daniele when he was just three years old. Once a month, more or less, or whenever we felt like, my son and I would go out to dinner. Just the two of us, dressing up and making a big fuzz about the whole preparation.

What to wear and where to go was discussed in details. Reservations were made. And when I'd show up at these fancy places in Milan with a "man" who hardly reached my hip level, waitresses and restaurant owners were delighted to help out and make Daniele feel how special that occasion was.

It was very special to me too, since I noticed how easier it was then for Daniele to bring up some of his eternal doubts about the meaning of life, or discuss his secret fears.

It was a little trick but it worked wonders to reassure him of my full attention and priority in my life.

It was also very stimulating. I've always thought that children have a lot to teach us, in terms of thinking instinctively instead of over-analyzing. I listen to children. Sometimes they give very wise advices.

But here I am now, with a son who's not a kid anymore, and we're still going out on dates. We never lost the habit, and it has been very enjoyable all the way through.

It created a few problems with some men in my past, who were absurdly jealous of the private time and obvious fun I had with my son. But that was their problem. Not even once I thought to give it up, and I will never, as long as Daniele feels the same.

So, tomorrow Dani and I will lunch in Santa Monica. I am very excited to think where would be nicer, and what to wear to see my son. Waitresses now always believe he's my boyfriend but that is something that does not concern either of us.

Would I date a man seventeen younger than me? Sure. Why not?

As long as he is at least Daniele's age. That has been the joke going on since Daniele passed my hip, then my chest and right after my shoulder height (he now towers over me.)

As long as he is as nice, as interesting, as special and humorous as Daniele is.

Sorry guys but I know myself.

I don't have boyfriends' requirements in a list but I know in my heart that I could never settle for anything less.