Hi Meredith!

I want to talk about dating schedules – because I’m dating a chef.

I work a pretty crazy schedule and have worked in the hospitality industry all my life. Chef and I are in the beginning stages of dating, and lived a significant commute apart over the summer.

What I already dislike are the 12 a.m. calls on a Tuesday. Also it seems that the minute he gets out of work, he has a drink – a strong drink. He says it takes him time to unwind, and I understand that, but the constant 12 to 2 a.m. calls with slurred speech are not fun. (I’m an early-to-bed/early-to-rise girl.)

I do appreciate him checking in, but most of the conversation is about his work, his customers, the staff. I very rarely get a question about my day. Is it a chef ego thing?

Also, I just don’t get all the text message photos of food during the day. Those are the messages I get from him. I know he has a passion, but I don’t need a see a fried pork belly, etc. I would much rather get a “wish you were here.”

I should mention the time we do spend together is pretty amazing, physically. He always checks in and makes the effort to see me. I should note we are both in our mid-30s, so we’re not talking about a 20-year-old guy here. I’m hoping the late-night calls and drinking will get better with time – or is this just the lifestyle?

– Dating a Chef