Living in Studio City, I try to stay close to home, but one Wednesday in February, I found myself on the other side of the San Fernando Valley with errands. I stumbled into this remote brewery by chance. As a homebrewer for over ten years, I tend to explore local breweries wherever I am. I remembered having visited this brewery before and having a well brewed style blond that was delicious. Being a tall blonde myself, I thought it was appropriate.

I sat at the bar, ordered a Blond Witbier, and found myself playing bingo next to a handsome man in his late fifties. We chatted about beer and laughed about the fact that we were playing bingo at our age. After a few hours of beer, I gave him my business card. I know it’s old fashioned, but that’s who I am. what did i have to lose? I hadn’t dated in years, and at 61, I wasn’t getting any younger.

Fortune was on our side that night. I bingo not only did he win twice, he also got 2 free beers when he won bingo. Also, a handsome man I met emailed me as soon as I got home that night. He was surprised that I gave him my business card and that I was even interested in him. (Sometimes it’s beneficial to be bold and follow your heart.)

The next week, we sent lots of witty messages and made plans to visit our favorite brewery near our house. (I’ve made a collaboration beer with that brewery, and it’s famous there.) It’s our first date.

When we got to the brewery we found him sitting at the bar. He was even more handsome than I remember. That day, I introduced him to Casque Ale and other beer styles he doesn’t normally drink. We talked, lit candles and flirted at the bar as if we were a 17 year old couple under the bleachers.

We were so into each other and people bought us beer because we looked so cute. Oh my God, the bartender bought me a beer too! When we were leaving he took me to the car and of course further flirting with the car followed. My heart raced on the way home.

We spent the next few weeks flirting, holding hands, making friends, and seeing each other’s friends. We also enjoyed a candlelight dinner, visited a local brewery, sampled some delicious beers, and developed a mutual affinity for old-fashioned people.

We cheered each other on while bowling. Had the Sunday brunch with mimosas. Also, in an act of sheer courage, he took care of me when I was sick.

I also taught him how to brew beer. Best of all, he was able to tell him how he felt and vice versa without being afraid to say too much. It was a purely honest conversation and affection. He was so kind, so present, and I couldn’t believe my luck.

We made plans for each other six months in advance, including trips, camping, and birthday plans. Yes I was in heaven with this guy! Everything I wanted was in this handsome man. But everything with him seemed too good to be true. I always told myself not to think that way. After all, I deserve to be happy, and my mantra is: Be true to yourself and be kind to people and good things will happen.

Sadly, after six fun weeks, my luck ran out. I was the first person he had dated since his tumultuous marriage ended. It made him unable to fully embrace and embrace the beauty of our situation.

He couldn’t get over the demons that plagued the ending of the final union. At that point, he had yet to work on fixing the problems that existed in his past relationships.

He wanted to start over, but he wasn’t ready yet. I guess that’s what you get when you give a handsome stranger your business card. I was thrilled to meet someone the old fashioned way instead of online which seems to be the only way to meet people nowadays.

It is no exaggeration to say that I was shocked by the breakup. It broke my heart. For the first time in almost eight years, I opened up my mind, my life, my world. Sadly, he ended his fledgling relationship with the following message: I can’t see you anymore…”

In our case, development may have stalled. Maybe our relationship was too intense, too early. My friends saw the red flags, but they were very happy with me. It’s been a long time since my last relationship. I saw the red flags, but I didn’t want to admit it because it was just too much fun. I really ignored the shortcomings.

But do you know? I won’t change anything It was a sexy whirlwind, and it felt sublime to connect, to be admired, to be wanted, to be wooed. I don’t know how long I’ve been flirting in public. And who wouldn’t want to have a handsome, presentable man on your arm and a companion?

Friends have gathered around me. They comforted me and offered words of encouragement, saying, “There are others who can help you,” and “You have overcome the first hurdle.” But there were a few people who said, “Didn’t I tell you?” No regrets. I have experienced the rare feeling of liking someone. Maybe I should name my next beer “No Regrets”. Become a bittersweet blonde.

The author is a graphic designer, brewer, and beer enthusiast.she lives in the valley And I will continue to be an OG Valley Girl. She is on Instagram: @Ingram

LA circumstances It chronicles the search for romantic love in the LA area in all its glorious glory. We would love to hear your true story. We pay $300 for published essays. e-mail LAAffairs@latimes.com.See Submission Guidelines here.View past columns here.