Dear Tell All: I've had lots of luck meeting appealing women, mostly on the near east side. The only problem is, I'm deathly allergic to cats, and nearly every woman I've gone out with in the past year has turned out to be a cat owner.
Just last month, I met a wonderful woman at a friend's party. We went out a few times, had a lot of fun, and both of us felt like taking things to the next level. We went back to her place, and as soon as I walked in I noticed a striped cat sitting on the couch -- the same couch we then sat down on to start making out.
Needless to say, it was a disaster. I started having sniffles, then I started sneezing, then I got a tickle in my throat, then my eyes started itching. I can tell you that no woman wants to make out with someone experiencing these symptoms. And of course, I was no longer in the mood for it myself. I got out of there as fast as I could, and I haven't called her since.
This is the way it's been with almost every woman. The relationships have ended practically before they got started. Part of the problem is that it's not easy to bring dates back to my cat-free apartment because I have roommates.
I'm starting to think I need to bring up the cat issue within 15 minutes of meeting a woman. But I'm not sure how to do this without sounding like a freak. Any suggestions?
Cat Scratch Fever
Dear C.S.F.: Really? You're breaking up with women just over cats? I think there's more going on here than just an allergy. Is it possible you're allergic to commitment? If you truly liked a woman, I think you could figure out a way to make things work at your place. And have you ever heard of allergy shots?
True, the shots are a long-term process, and they can be painful. But as they say, no pain, no gain.
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison? Write Tell All, 101 King St., Madison, WI, 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.