What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 5pm

Peter Merrick CFP, TEP, San Diego, CA (2026)

10/30/2024

Old Fart on Dating: Freedom or Loneliness?

I’ve spent most of my life writing what I considered “serious stuff.” The kind of prose that might impress readers with a decent vocabulary and, if the stars aligned, maybe even leave some sort of legacy. But after two years of singlehood, along with a couple of unwelcome surprises that showed me my last relationship wasn’t exactly what it seemed, I thought, why not try something less noble and a whole lot more ridiculous? Namely, recounting the experience of an Old Fart navigating the world of dating apps. Because, honestly, what could possibly go wrong?

Now, before I go on, let me ask you: have you heard of Charles Bukowski? The guy was a legend of grumbling poetry and unapologetic cynicism, always delivering hard truths with a half-smirk. Well, one of his poems has been rattling around in my brain lately:

“And when nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and you can do whatever you want. What do you call it, freedom or loneliness?”

Good question, right? It’s been haunting me since I dove headfirst into the world of dating apps, wondering if I’m searching for connection or simply avoiding the moment I give up and adopt a dog.

Then it hit me that I’d actually been “single” long before I knew it. Turns out my ex had re-entered the dating scene while I was still blissfully paying the bills and wondering what new Netflix series we could binge next. Meanwhile, she was out “reconnecting” with old flames and had been on these apps a full year before I even knew I was a free agent. Apparently, everyone else had figured it out long before I did. Captain Oblivious, at your service! So, with a bruised ego, a clueless grin, and a questionable sense of adventure, I decided to dive into the world of swipes and likes myself. What could go wrong, right?

Armed with enough optimism to power a small flashlight, I went in, thinking I might find an adult, a person with her own collection of laugh lines and war stories. Instead, I found myself sifting through profiles that read like shopping lists: “Must be over 6 feet, be financially secure, and have a spiritual side.” Meanwhile, I’m just hoping I can find someone who spells “hello” with fewer than four emojis.

Since I posted my first blog about this adventure, my inbox has been a steady stream of curious and occasionally bemused messages. People, it turns out, enjoy watching me stumble through the app world, making the kind of rookie mistakes that are supposed to be reserved for twenty-somethings. And let’s be real here: I’m not that great... just ask any of my exes. They’d gladly tell you I come with a warning label, and one of them could probably whip up an Excel sheet titled, “Why This Guy Isn’t for You!.”

So here we are, back at Bukowski’s question: freedom or loneliness? I’ve realized that loneliness doesn’t come from being single... it comes from being with someone who makes you feel like you’re talking to a wall. I’d rather have the freedom to be my unfiltered, imperfect self than try to fit someone else’s idea of “relationship material.” Freedom, I’ve discovered, is the art of embracing life’s absurdity and laughing at it, cluelessness and all.

So, here’s my “wisdom” for anyone out there scrolling and swiping: don’t go looking for someone to complete you. Look for someone who laughs at your quirks and maybe even adds a few of their own. And if that person never shows up? Well, at least you get to keep the remote, a good story, and, who knows, maybe you will get a dog.

Peter

10/28/2024

Ego Kills Deals... The Story of the Demise of the Great Gord: A phrase that rings with truth and warning. This axiom isn't just about business transactions; it's a lesson in humility, a reflection of a law of nature.

Gord, known as "The Great Gord," was a living embodiment of success and ego. A top insurance agent, he was adorned with a $400,000 car, a full-time driver and a mansion. But the persona he created became his downfall. He ventured into territories beyond his expertise, believing that his greatness would guarantee success. This belief was a lethal mistake, and it manifested the meaning of "ego kills deals." His inflated ego led to a blowout, erasing a 40-year reputation and losing everything.

Ego doesn't just kill business deals; it kills trust, relationships, and self-growth. By believing his own hype, Gord not only lost his fortune but also became an anti-mentor to many, including myself. From his failure, I learned the importance of humility and self-awareness. By witnessing Gord's demise, I was shown the path not to follow, and I understood what it means when we say that "ego kills deals."

The moral of Gord's story isn't just a cautionary tale about overconfidence. It's a profound lesson in human nature, illustrating that success isn't merely about the deals we make but about being true to ourselves and others.

"Ego kills deals" is a constant reminder to be aware of our limitations and not be seduced by our own hype. Nature has a way of humbling us, and the lessons learned from Gord's downfall were more valuable than any monetary gain. It's a lasting testament that integrity, honesty, and humility are the cornerstones of real success, and it's the ego that can bring down even the mightiest.

Peter

To continue receiving updated blogposts go to PeterMerrick.com and sign-up for my newsletter.

10/25/2024

Old Fart on Dating and Other Things: Are We Just Lonely People with Data Plans?

This morning, I took a walk down to the harbor here in downtown San Diego, grabbed a coffee, and did one of my favorite things: I people-watched. I saw young couples sitting together, probably saying goodbye before heading off to jobs they hate, the kinds of jobs they didn’t even study for in college. Not one of them looked at each other. They sat across the table, glued to their screens. Married, alright... just to their phones and data plans. So, I jotted down some notes, got inspired, and here I am, an Old Fart writing this blog on Friday morning, October 25, 2024.

Now, maybe I am just too old, but it seems to me that the internet has done more to pull us apart, bringing us more harm than to actually connect us. And I’m not just talking about dating apps. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X… all these apps that once promised to “connect” us have somehow left us more isolated than ever. We’ve got thousands of digital “friends,” but no one to call and actually see in person when life gets tough. And if you’re human, it always does. It’s like we’re all becoming screen zombies, trading our humanity for likes, follows, isolation, and a big dose of voyeurism.

As a big people-watcher, I notice couples at dinner scrolling instead of talking; parents on the playground, heads down in their phones. Meanwhile, we’re fooling ourselves believing that we’re more “connected” than ever just because we’re liking each other’s vacation photos. I’d bet most of us are closer to our Wi-Fi signal than we are to the individuals around us. Heck, we’re even outsourcing our emotions these days. “Alexa, what’s it like to be happy? Will you have a real conversation with me, Alexa? I haven’t had one of those in a long time!”

We’re living in digital loneliness, scrolling through other people’s highlight reels, comparing them to our unfiltered lives, and wondering why we don’t measure up while feeling more alone than ever. We’re so focused on capturing “moments” that we’re barely experiencing them. Connection has been replaced with convenience. Real conversations have been swapped for emojis, and, if we’re not careful, we’ll be left as human algorithms with a thousand “friends” and no one to laugh or cry with.

But hey, what do I know? I’m just an old fart still trying to figure out how to unsubscribe from dating apps’ limited time offers for products I don’t even remember buying. Can humanity really survive this tech-driven disconnection, or are we destined to become Wi-Fi addicts, wandering around with a great signal but no real connections? At this rate, we’ll end up as a bunch of lonely souls with perfect filters, a lifetime of unread emails, and not a single genuine connection in sight.

So, what’s next? Maybe I don’t get it, and maybe this is the future. But I still believe that progress doesn’t mean losing our humanity. Relationships should be about connection, not convenience. I want to believe we’re more than likes and comments. Or at least, I want to believe we are.

Old Fart… A.K.A.
Peter Merrick

10/23/2024

Friendship...

I have not written about friendship before, although it has been on my mind lately. Writing, for me, is a way to explore the thoughts that whirl around in my head and to come to a personal understanding of various subjects. I also love to post what I write because, in some way, perhaps what I have discovered will resonate with others as they explore these topics in their own lives.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had friendships that have lasted over 45 years. It is an honor to have individuals in my life who, through all the ups and downs, will pick up the phone and ask, "How are you doing? What is new in your life? I was thinking of you." I do the same for them. At some point in the conversation, one of us will say, “Do you remember when we did that?” And we laugh. These shared memories, these small moments, are the glue that holds true friendship together.

True friendship provides a base, a foundation in a world full of strangers. These are the individuals who know who you are and genuinely care that you exist. They are the ones who will be there for you when you rise and when you fall, not for what you can give them, as they value you for who you are.

Through my many years at the University of Hard Knocks, I have learned a few things about what makes a friendship last. As a man, I can only speak from my own experience, although I believe these principles can apply to anyone. The deepest friendships in my life have been with my male friends, and I am honored to have shared decades of life with them. We want the best for each other, we help when we can, and there are no strings attached, just pure appreciation for the other individual’s existence.

So here is what I have discovered makes for an enduring friendship:

A true friendship survives time. You have someone or some individuals in your life with whom you have shared experiences. It is easy to become friendly when things are going well, although it is in the tough times that true friendships reveal themselves. There are many who want to be there when life is a party, although it is the ones who stand by you when you fall a few levels that matter. These individuals do not care about what you have or your status, they are your friends because of who you are, not what you can offer.

A true friendship survives distance. I live in San Diego, California, although I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada... 3,000 miles apart. Even with that distance, I maintain deep connections with friends from my youth. We share memories like crashing my car when I was 17 or getting drunk during our first year at university. We stay in touch by phone or video calls, and even though we are miles apart, I feel a deeper bond with them than with many of the individuals I meet here in San Diego. Distance does not matter in true friendship.

A true friendship survives silence. True friendships do not require constant communication. You can go six months or a year without speaking, and when you do, it is like no time has passed. The connection remains strong, and you pick up right where you left off. There is an understanding between you that does not need words to be maintained.

True friendship is about having someone who has witnessed your life, who knows the context of your experiences, and who is deeply connected to you through it all. It allows both of you to grow separately while still maintaining that bond. It is said that God created friends to make up for family, and in many ways, I believe that is true. True friendship is your spiritual family, those who choose to be in your life and who bring a sense of belonging and understanding that sometimes even family cannot provide.

Peter

10/22/2024

Old Fart on Dating: Red Flags That Should Make You Run for the Hills!

After 30 years of writing about finance, risk mitigation, and high-level business strategy, it turns out my dating blogs... yes, dating blogs... are what people actually want to read. Who would’ve guessed? Well, I kinda did, but I didn’t want to admit it to myself. Watching people pick up tabloids at grocery stores should’ve been my first clue, but here we are. I’m writing these because, let’s face it, dating has enough material to keep you laughing, crying, and wondering how you got here in the first place.

These blogs? They’ve been a chance for me to poke fun at the modern dating scene, navigate the minefields, and maybe, just maybe, help someone avoid the stupid mistakes I made. If only an older guy had warned me about the red flags, it could’ve saved me years with the wrong people. Time, after all, is our most precious commodity, and once it’s gone, you don’t get it back.

So, here are the deal breakers I’ve learned to spot early. If any of these pop up on a first date, it’s over before it began.

Deal Breaker #1: “What kind of car do you drive?”
If someone asks this right off the bat, they’re sizing up your wallet, not your personality. Most people who ask this don’t even care about cars. Move along... you deserve someone who sees you, not your financial worth.

Deal Breaker #2: “How much money do you make?”
This question is basically code for, “How much can I get out of you?” My go-to response is, “I don’t know, how much do you cost?” It’s not tactful, and neither is asking about your salary on a first date. If that’s their lead, run.

Deal Breaker #3: “Do you want kids?”
On the first date? Nope. Anyone bringing this up early is either in a rush or has scared off their previous prospects. Either way, it’s a warning sign. A person focused on your reproductive future right away isn’t interested in who you are, they’re just trying to check a box.

Deal Breaker #4: “What are you looking for in a romantic partner?”
Sounds innocent, right? Wrong. This is the shapeshifter’s question. They’ll twist and turn to become whoever you say you want, but eventually, the real them will surface. The best response? Something absurd, like “I’m looking for a partner who can ride a unicycle and speak Klingon.”

Deal Breaker #5: “My exes were all assholes.”
If they’re throwing their exes under the bus, guess who’s next? Yep, you. If their exes were all awful, maybe the common denominator is them. Don’t be someone’s next “bad ex” story.

Deal Breaker #6: “I don’t need a partner.”
Then why are we here? If someone tells you they don’t need anyone, they’re probably lying to themselves and to you. It’s not your job to fill their emotional void. Run while you can.

So here’s the big takeaway: I’m just an Old Fart who’s learned some hard lessons. The one thing I wish I knew when I was younger? Your time is your most valuable asset. Don’t waste it on red flags. Laugh at the absurdity of dating, but don’t ignore the signs. Life’s too short for someone else’s drama.

Believe it or not, I’m an incredible planner. I know tax inside and out, including international tax treaties, and most importantly... how to help you keep your money. Want to know more? Check me out at PeterMerrick.com.

Peter

10/22/2024

Old Fart on Dating: What Do I Know? The Modern Killers to Commitment!

Let me tell you a little about my friend Rob. You’ve got to love this guy, he’s a real-life character. A walking contradiction: incredibly insightful, yet clearly bruised by life’s relentless punches. Or maybe he’s insightful because of those bruises. Who knows? Either way, he’s been single for about a decade now. He’s done the domestic thing… been married, raised two incredible kids, a doctor and a lawyer, no less. That’s right, the man’s got superstar children that any parent would be proud of. And yet, here he is, still in the dating game.

Now, Rob, for reasons I’ll never understand, has women flocking to him like moths to a flame. No issue finding someone willing to put up with his unique brand of s**t. And believe me, there’s plenty of it. He’s on the constant hunt for the unicorn in the modern dating world. You know, that mythical creature who checks all the boxes and doesn’t come with a ton of baggage. But hey, what do I know? I’m just an old fart trying to figure it all out as I go.

Rob’s got his rules, though. Oh yes, he’s got insights straight from the “University of Hard Knocks.” One gem he shared is that in relationships, women control access to physical intimacy, while men control the commitment. Two very different things, he has concluded. Rob’s got this all mapped out in his head while the rest of us are just trying not to trip over ourselves.

Then there’s the tattoo rule. Apparently, any woman with ink is a no-go for him. Not because he hates tattoos, he’s not judgy. But he avoids women with tattoos because, in his experience, it’s a sign of impulse control or, more accurately, the lack thereof. No Ph.D. to back that up, just years of trial and error. “Been there, done that, learned the hard way,” as he’d say. He told me about a woman he liked, and when they were intimate, she had a tattoo with an arrow pointing down that said This Belongs to Adam. Well, Rob’s not Adam, and he sure didn’t want to get in the way of Adam and her.

Then there’s the inevitable “90-day talk.” You know the one… everything’s casual, fun, no strings attached, and then, like clockwork, comes the dreaded question: “So, where do we stand? Where is this going?” Rob’s ready for this one. He’ll say, “Look, I like you, but I paid a small fortune in alimony because I didn’t have this talk before.”

Here’s where it gets dicey: if she’s been clubbing, going on girls’ trips, or hitting bars with her single girlfriends, it’s a hard pass from Rob. He’s got nothing against a good time, but he’s seen too many of those “good times” turn into bad decisions. He’s been that guy these women have had indiscretions with, and let’s just say, he learned the hard way in his own failed marriage. Hey, what do I know? I might’ve missed a few red flags myself… my ex was out there collecting WiFi signals from any available hotspot. Who knew? But there’s no excuse for stupid. I wasn’t that bright.

Now, let’s talk about social media. This is Rob’s other big deal-breaker. If her Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X look like an audition for The Bachelorette or, worse, if a bunch of guys are simping over her posts, Rob’s out. By the way, I had to look up simp. It’s slang for a modern-day wimp... who knew? “She’s asking where we stand, but meanwhile, she’s looking for validation from anyone with a WiFi connection,” Rob says. I mean, I never really thought about it that way, but when I think about my ex… well, let’s just say maybe there’s a grain of truth to it. I can already hear the laughter… don’t worry, I’m in on the joke. So were all the simps and her girlfriends on her social media.

Last but not least, the “friend-zone dudes.” Yep, the guys she swears are just friends. For Rob, if she’s got a gaggle of male “friends” hanging around like lost puppies, that’s another red flag. “If she’s got a bunch of guys orbiting her, hoping for their chance, it’s never gonna work,” Rob says. And here’s the part that kills me laughing every time I think about it. Rob once asked one of these women, who wanted to move their relationship up a notch, to hand over her phone. He texted one of the so-called “friends,” pretending to be her, and said, “Come over, I want to have sex.” The just a friend guy replied, “When can I be there? I’ve been waiting for this forever.” Boom. Friend-zoned? Rob said, “My Ass!”

So, what do I know? I’m just an old fart trying to navigate this modern world, which I clearly don’t have a clue about. But hey, maybe we can learn something from my friend Rob. After all, humans are the only species that can bind time. This means we have the ability to learn from the stupid mistakes of others. And if you’re smart, you’ll pay real close attention, so you don’t have to live through the same stupidity yourself. But again, what do I know?

An Old Fart… A.K.A.

Peter

10/21/2024

Parenting: Do We All Screw It Up?

I’ve been meaning to write this for some time. The world might be crazy, maybe even a bit overwhelming... but there’s one thing we all have in common: we had parents. And like it or not, we were all someone’s child. Whether you're a parent yourself now or simply reflecting on your upbringing, there’s something deeply human about wondering: Did we screw it up? Or, more likely, did our parents screw it up?

A few years back, I came across an idea about the stages children go through when it comes to how they see their parents. I ended up incorporating it into my last book, The King of Main Street, although not in the way you might expect. It wasn’t front and center but rather woven into the character development, where business and personal lives intersect. After all, family dynamics play out in every aspect of life, including business.

The concept is simple: there are three stages of how we view our parents.

Stage one is when we see our parents as gods. In those early years, they’re everything. They know all the answers, they’re strong, reliable, and as far as we’re concerned, they can do no wrong. I remember thinking my parents were invincible... until the day I realized they weren’t, which leads us to stage two.

Stage two is the big reveal: our parents are human. They make mistakes, they get things wrong, they struggle just like everyone else. It's like pulling back the curtain on the Wizard of Oz and realizing that maybe they didn’t have it all figured out after all. This stage can be tough. It’s when we start to see the cracks and begin to understand that the people who raised us weren’t perfect.

And then there’s stage three... the one that matters the most. This is when we ask ourselves whether we can forgive our parents for being human. For not being perfect. For trying, and sometimes failing, like we all do. It’s where we come to terms with their limitations and their strengths and hopefully find some peace in recognizing that they did the best they could.

In today’s world, parents typically get around 18 years with their children before they head out into the world. When you think about it, we might get another year or two total. If you add up the family dinners, holidays, and phone calls that span the rest of both our lives. It’s not much, really, when you look at the grand scheme of things.

But here’s the truth: we’re all human, and that means we’re all changing, constantly learning, and hopefully, growing. If you and I are going to be good people, and especially good parents, we have to pass through our own stage three. We need to recognize our parents were human and forgive them for that. And if we happen to be parents ourselves, we need to cut ourselves a little slack too.

The fact is, no one gets it all right. We all mess up. And that’s okay. We’re human, and that’s enough.

Peter

To read regular blogs, sign up to either my LinkedIn or on my website... PeterMerrick.com

10/20/2024

When You’re in S**t, Don’t Sing About It...

One of the best stories that teaches a valuable life lesson came from none other than Little Johnny.

One day, the teacher asked her students if they had ever been told a story with a moral lesson. Little Johnny, always eager to participate, shot his hand into the air.

“My dad told me a story with a moral!” Little Johnny said proudly.

The teacher, curious but a bit hesitant, nodded and said, “Go ahead, Little Johnny. Share it with the class.”

So, Little Johnny began: “Once, there was this bird flying in the freezing cold. It got so cold that the bird fell from the sky and landed in a field, frozen stiff. Just when it thought it was the end, along came a cow, and out of nowhere dropped a big pile of s**t right on the bird.”

The class erupted into giggles, but Little Johnny kept a straight face and continued.

“The bird was covered in cow s**t, but because it was so warm, the bird started to thaw out. It felt so good, in fact, that the bird began to sing with joy. But then, a cat heard the bird singing, came over, dug the bird out of the pile of s**t… and ate it.”

The entire classroom fell silent. The teacher, looking shocked, asked, “Little Johnny, what moral was your father trying to teach you with that story?”

With a sly grin, Little Johnny replied, “The moral is, not everyone who s**ts on you is trying to hurt you, not everyone who digs you out is trying to help you, and when you’re in deep s**t, it’s best not to sing about it.”

Peter

10/20/2024

Old Fart on Dating: Do You Keep Lists... Maybe You Shouldn't...

Alright, maybe keeping a list of partners isn’t the greatest idea. Not that I’d know… I don’t keep one. I did, however, write a blog yesterday called “Technocracy Will Be the End of Sovereignty.” Sounds like a hit, right? Well, it got a whopping 5,000 reads. Meanwhile, my spicy “Old Fart on Dating” posts? Those bad boys pull in at least 100,000 reads. So, I guess being asked to think isn’t as popular as people pretending to know much about dating. I ain’t good at it, but I’ve lived long enough to observe some funny stuff about the human condition.

Speaking of funny stuff, let me tell you a story from a friend of mine. He’s given me permission to share it. Let’s call him Naïve Guy. He had a booming business, and so did his partner. But his partner? Well, let’s just say he had a little extra energy, thanks to something a little stronger than Coca-Cola. Yeah, I’m talking about the powdered kind of Coke, and let me tell you, it led to some interesting life choices.

One day, this business partner hires a legal secretary. Innocent enough, right? Little did Naïve Guy know, this gal had a side hustle. And her main thing? Well, it wasn’t answering phones, that’s for sure. Her side hustle? She was running a full-on madam service out of Naïve Guy’s place of business. Yep, she was a madam, running her little empire right under his nose.

Everything seemed fine… until it wasn’t. Naïve Guy discovers that $25,000 had gone p**f from their accounts. Turns out, Miss Legal Secretary had been swiping $400 a day from his partner’s ATM card.

Naturally, Naïve Guy freezes her office pass and brings in a computer expert to look through her files. And, boy, did they hit the jackpot.

You see, she wasn’t just running her madam business... she was also keeping a personal list. And no, this wasn’t some business-related Excel sheet. This was her personal list of partners. Fifty-eight partners. And she had columns for everything... height, ethnicity, marital status, and... wait for it... size. Yeah, that size. Mr. Johnson. She even had rankings. And wouldn’t you know it, Naïve Guy’s business partner made the list. According to her, he was “small.” Oof. Guess the powdered sugar wasn’t helping his... reputation.

But here’s the best part. Another guy on that list? A friend of Naïve Guy’s. Let’s call him Albert. And according to her spreadsheet, Albert was hung like a blue whale. Naturally, Naïve Guy found this both hilarious and deeply disturbing.

Now, our Naïve Guy is two inches taller than Albert, but after discovering that list, he can’t help but feel a little… well, let’s just say Albert has him beat in ways that matter to some people. And it can make other guys feel they come up a little short in certain categories.

So, the big question: should you keep lists? I’m not saying don’t, but maybe think twice. And for Naïve Guy, every time he sees his buddy Albert, he can’t help but smile… and feel just a little bit smaller.

Oh, and before I forget, I want to ask… do a lot of women actually keep lists like this? I honestly have no idea. I’m a little like Naïve Guy in this area of knowledge. What do I know? I just write blogs that apparently everyone reads for a laugh. To laugh at me, because in so many ways I am like Naïve Guy. And to be honest, I don’t have much life advice to offer. I mean, I’d never take my own advice. I’m pretty much Naïve Guy with a keyboard.

The Old Fart on Dating... A.K.A...

Peter

10/17/2024

Old Fart on Dating: Larry’s Love Lessons – The Man Who Never Made it to the Second Date...

Have you ever had a friend you really miss? I sure have. Let me tell you about my late friend, Larry. He was one of those individuals you just do not forget. Single for over twenty years, Larry had a sharp sense of humor and a mind like a steel trap. As a highly skilled prosecuting lawyer, Larry had a knack for reading people. He could spot a lie from a mile away, both in the courtroom and on a date at an Italian restaurant. He was the kind of character you could not help but love. I miss this man every day. Larry was a genius with words, and his wit could slice through any awkward silence. Did I mention he was single for twenty years? You will understand why soon enough.

Larry's wife left him for someone who she thought was better, a guy who could not even scrape together enough money for a cup of coffee. Yet, despite his marriage imploding, Larry transformed his heartbreak into pure comedy gold. In 2002, he wrote a bestseller titled I Had Dreams of a Happy House, Now I’m a Former Spouse. The book was filled with stories of relationship disasters, many of them his own. Many also were drawn from the countless stories he encountered as a family issues attorney. It was not just a book; it was a survival guide for navigating love, divorce, dating and all the absurdities that come with human relationships.

Larry’s book was not your typical self-help manual. It was the kind of book that made you laugh, cringe, and reconsider your life choices all at once. Some of the stories were shocking… tales of partners sneaking off with their college school flings. Others were heartwarming, or just outright ridiculous. Whether you were dating, married, divorced, or somewhere in between, Larry’s book had a little something for you. It was brutally honest, raw and real without any fluff. It was not legalese or clinical analysis; it was life in its most honest, funniest form.

Now, let me tell you about Larry’s dating life. Larry was a professional when it came to the first date. Second dates? For Larry second dates were as rare as spotting a unicorn in the wild. He despised online dating, but that did not stop him from giving it a try. Larry had this one favorite question he would ask on every first date: “Who left who?” He asked it in a way that seemed genuinely interested, with just enough sympathy to make you want to open up. The women he dated, often previously married, would lay it all out. About 90% of the time, they admitted to leaving their previous marriage.

When they opened up, Larry would listen to their reasons… things like, “He worked late sometimes,” or “We just did not have fun anymore.” Maybe it was, “We grew apart,” or “I was bored, and he never took me anywhere.” And, of course, the classic tale of reconnecting with an old high school flame. Someone they thought had aged like fine wine, only to find out it was more like boxed wine left out in the sun. They believed the grass was greener on the other side, but after leaving, they quickly realized that life was much crueler and lonelier than what they had walked away from. Larry would just nod along, already knowing their story before it even finished.

I once asked Larry why he always asked that question on every one of his first dates. His answer was very simple: "None of us are special." He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Would you go into business with someone who screwed over their last partner? Probably not. Same rules apply here.” Larry had a way of cutting through all the bulls**t with cold, hard logic. His simple dating question… “Who left who?” gave him a sneak peek into what he could expect if the relationship went anywhere. He used to laugh and say, “You are 6’2”, decent looking, and make decent money. But do not think for a second that makes you special. If it happened once, it most likely will happen again and I don't want it to happen to either you or me, we aren’t that special.”

Larry was also the first person to tell me the old frog and scorpion analogy. You know the one, where the scorpion convinces the frog to carry him across the river, promising he will not sting, then stings the frog anyway halfway across. As the frog is dying, he asks, “Why did you do it?” and the scorpion simply replies, “Because it is in my nature.” Larry loved that story. He used it to remind me that people will always do what they do, no matter what promises they make. “Do not fool yourself,” he would say, “the scorpion always stings. 'You aren't that special!'”

I miss my friend Larry. He would have written this blog far funnier than I ever could. So, here’s to Larry, the man, the myth, the skilled prosecuting lawyer, and the serial online dater who almost never made it to the second date.

Now, dear reader, I am left with a burning question to ask you… do I continue being an optimist in humanity, or should I just get a dog?

Peter

Peter Merrick CFP, TEP

10/30/2024

10/28/2024

10/25/2024

10/23/2024

10/22/2024

10/22/2024

10/21/2024

10/20/2024

10/20/2024

10/17/2024

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm