Pretend Dating

I recently described my newest boy adventure to my Big Sis over the phone:  "Well, he picked me up in his car and we shared a pizza and a beer.  He told me about his family and growing up in the South.  He told me he loves to see theatre and maybe wants to move to LA someday.  After dinner we headed to the movie theatre and we saw 'Bad Teacher.'  While we waited for the movie to start, we talked about our favorite movies!  We finished the date with frozen yogurt.  I think he really likes me and he's so funny!  Oh, and he refused to let me pay for anything!  It was probably one of the best dates I've been on in awhile."  

I have an exciting announcement Backstage Blogosphere: I think I have a new boyfriend....Okay fine, it's a pretend boyfriend.  Okay, so basically, I have a new co-worker to go along with a new acting gig.  Whoo!!  Hoooo!!

One of the cool things about being an actor is that I've had somewhere around six new boyfriends in the last six months.  Oh boy, oh boy!  If only my real dating life was so exciting!!   Just like real boyfriends, juggling so many new pretend boyfriends is a challenge!   You may have to shoot a scene and create chemistry with someone after only knowing him or her for a day or two,.....or even after only a few hours!  

On this most recent television project, me and my pretend boyfriend both had a free weekend between shooting scenes and decided that since we would be working together for quite sometime we should get to know each other a little better.  "We should go on a pretend date!!"  My pretend boyfriend suggested.  I quickly agreed.  Afterall, any date, even pretend, sounded like a blast to me!  Maybe it's because I live in NYC where people don't have cars and put a lot of focus on their careers and friends, but I can't remember the last time someone offerend to actually pick me up in their car and then take me to dinner AND a movie....AND frozen yogurt!!!  Amazing!  

There are definite differences between a real date and a pretend date.  For example, some might expect a first date to also end in a first kiss, but pretend dating is all about laughing and getting to know eachother.  The most 'action' I got on my pretend date was a big bear-hug and a lot of enthusiastic high-fives!  

Also, rather than whispering words of adoration in my ear, he gushed about his awesome girlfriend and even showed me pictures.  Likewise, I told him all about a new boy I met at a rock show that I have a major crush on and am sure is my soul-mate!  But even without the sweet-nothings, or sweet-action, me and my pretend boyfriend had a blast!  It reminded me how nice and important it can be to connect with your cast-mates outside of work.   I think it builds trust and a bond that can be important when it comes to actually shooting the scenes!

My pretend date might not be the start of a new romantic relationship, but my pretend date was definitely the first sparks of very special friendship and marks the beginning of a great new job and journey.   We had so much fun, we are already planning a possible second pretend date to Six Flags!  He might bring his real girlfriend, and I might bring my new pretend sister!!

I reccommend pretend dating for everyone!  It is super uncomplicated and super fun!  Now, if only I could get a real date....Teeheehee!

--  Emily Kinney

(Picture from the blog: http://crazyphoenix.wordpress.com/) 

Comments

[Alissa]

You make pretend dating sound so much fun. I've been taking chances with online dating--it is kind of similar, right? Your pretend boyfriends sound adorable. Hope to meet one for myself!

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