I was recently visiting Orlando, Florida. I wanted to make one more stop in Ft. Lauderdale before coming home, so I purchased a ticket on a smaller carrier that flies this short route.

Boarding the Flight

Upon boarding the airplane, I noticed that the flight attendant (Sandy) was quite friendly.

ME: Good morning!

SANDY: Good morning!

ME: I’m the first one on the flight today. Now I have to find space to put this big carry-on bag.

SANDY: You might need to take some stuff out, but it can be done.

ME: Yeah, I’ve done it before. How are you?

SANDY: Much better now that you’re onboard.

[I didn’t know how to take this comment, but I was able to think of something before walking towards my seat.]

ME: You’re sweet. Glad to be here!

The Flight

There were plenty of open seats on this flight, and I was fortunate to have an exit row aisle. These seats are as close as you will get to First Class on a small aircraft. On the other side of the aisle sat a man (Cliff) in his late 40s. He and I struck up a conversation about Florida, and I soon learned that he also lived in Texas.

During the in-cabin service, Cliff purchased a Bloody Mary, and this early morning request led to a jovial conversation with Sandy, which lasted for a few minutes. During this short chat, they both even shared they were divorced.

After Sandy continued with the service, Cliff told me that he was going to grab a business card and give it to Sandy. He lived in Texas, and Sandy stated she was going to take a job with another airline in Texas, so it could work out for them.

Cliff and I discussed the strategy of how he was going to give her the card. We were about middle-of-the-pack in the airplane, so there would be passengers behind us, and he was nervous about how Sandy would react.

We discussed different lines he could use:

  • “Sandy, it was good meeting you. Stay in touch!”
  • “Now that you’re moving to Texas, let’s have lunch.”
  • “Let me know if you need any help when moving to Texas.” [This one was a bit weird, but we were brainstorming.]

Game Time!

Finally, the flight arrives in Ft. Lauderdale, and we are in the deplaning process. Cliff seems even more nervous now. As the “dating” coach, I remind him that he will do well. What’s the worst that can happen? She could deny the card, but this is not too likely. She seems nice enough to at least take the card with a smile.

Cliff finally approaches the front of the plane, and he makes eye contact with Sandy. The cockpit door is open, and the captain is standing sideways, not paying any attention to departing passengers.

I hear Cliff say, “Sandy, it was great talking with you. Have a great rest of the day!”

No! This is not what we practiced! The first part of the line was fine, but he needed to tell her that they should stay in touch. Of course, providing his business card is a must! It didn’t happen!

This lesson taught me one of two things: (1) I’m a poor dating coach, or (2) Cliff got cold feet. I guess there is probably a reason this encounter didn’t happen. I suppose.