It seems like the vein of stories about dates that didn’t go well is as wide as it is deep, and usually worth a giggle. I remember a good friend telling me the story about a date who showed up to pick her up for dinner with a Big Head Barbie affixed to his hood ornament. As she tried to puzzle out what this said for his value system or sense of humor, she was then stunned when they parked at a restaurant, he removed Big Head Barbie, and then stowed her away in a sack so she wouldn’t get stolen. She might not have fully pieced together the symbolism of Big Head Barbie but she quickly figured out that it was more drama than she was willing to sign up for.
Knowing from Mark Petruska’s hilarious and entertaining post, Purple Trans Ams, White Lies & Green Cards, that he had some good dating misadventures to mine, Vicki and I were able to get him to come back on the podcast to talk about love lessons.
Mark has us laughing about all the things that can go wrong when we put ourselves out there. And how that sometimes leaves us looking for the nearest exit.
We dig into a few of his funny dating stories to find the secret behind staying resilient on the trail to true love. And Mark treats us to the key that led him to Tara.
As I shared a couple of my own misadventures as well as my own ambivalence about dating that I have these days, Mark reminds me that being on the fence is not where dreams are found.
Which leads us to the wonderful conclusion of this delightful episode where Mark shares some of his love advice that both rings true and is so well-said. And then we get Vicki, who just celebrated her 42nd wedding anniversary, to chime in with the secret she’s found for relationships.
This is a great episode about how misadventure leads us to love. I know you’ll love it. And another thing I know you’ll love is our catchy new podcast music composed for us by the exquisitely talented Jack Canfora and Rob Koenig. I hope you give it a listen!
Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec – Sharing the Heart of the Matter
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska
Links for this Episode:
Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska on Anchor
Mark’s Blog: Mark My Words
No Time for Kings by Mark Petruska – a fantastic eco-thriller!
The Heart of the Matter 
Thank you for having me. And you should definitely make a blooper reel happen!
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Agree! 😉
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The blooper reel – that would be a fun episode!! 🙂 And this one with or without the bloopers was great!
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What a relatable conversation. Who hasn’t had a purple Trans Am date before? I’m with Mark about smoking being one of my instant turnoffs, especially if someone isn’t forthcoming about that. Though happily married for 37 years, I agree with much of the advice doled out. Don’t be on the fence or be afraid to dust ourselves off and try again. That same advice should apply to other areas besides our love lives. A key to a successful relationship, in my opinion, is you must be good together while also having your separate interests. I would never ask my wife to give up something that’s important to her, and I know she wouldn’t of me. My wife and I also haven’t stopped laughing together since day one, and laughter makes everything better.
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Cheers to all of that, Pete! Laughter most of all? Yes! Thanks so much for listening! 😉
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I love your comment about laughter making everything better. Yes! And I love your relationship advice about being good together and having separate interests. So good.
As is your rhetorical question – who hasn’t had a purple trans am date before. So good! Thanks, Pete!
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Relationships are so complexed – one must really look after it and nurture them! Thanks for keeping laughter and love in your hearts! Blooper reel, yes please!
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Keeping love and laughter in our hearts – what a great phrase, Mary! Yes!
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I keep forgetting to comment specifically about the beautiful music Jack and Rob created…composed…performed for us. It’s magical and uplifting. Please extend our gratitude – over and over again, Wynne – to them for their generosity and talent. 🥰🥰🥰
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Yes – it’s so good, isn’t it? Thanks for calling that out specifically! ❤
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❤️😎❤️
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Yikes, Big Head Barbie guy sounds creepy to me. Hopefully it’s just plastic doll heads that made it to the hood of his ornament! 😂🤣
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I agree about Big Head Barbie guy… Let’s hope that was just a phase! 🙂
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