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Have you ever wondered who wears the pants in your relationship?

Dates are suppose to be simple right? Boy meets girl. Invites her out. Picks girl up. Date begins. I mean, once you've been on a few with the same person, curve balls really should not happen right? Or should they?

Who would think that going to a show could be so much fun? Isn't it the play that should provide the comic relief? But in the situation, what if it's the date himself that provided the comedy?

Carrie, a dear friend of mine, and her date (for obvious reasons he'll remain anonymous), were spending the day together. It started mid-afternoon with a sail. She had promised to take him boating if he promised to attend a theatrical performance that evening. It was a two-for-one: two completely different types of activities wrapped into one beautiful San Diego Saturday.

The plan was simple. Wear clothes for sailing: bathing suit, boat shoes, hat, sunscreen, while packing dress clothes appropriate for a show: slacks, sports jacket, dress shirt, etc.

When the catamaran sailed back to shore that's when the wind picked up. "Carrie," he said, "small problem. I don't think we can go tonight," "Why?" she asked and later explained to me - poor fellow, he forgot his pants.

"Uh oh!" she responded. "That's a problem." There was silence and then Carrie shouted, "I've got an idea!" As she was explaining how her date unfolded, I could tell this was a column in the making.

"We had purchased the tickets. It would have been a waste of money. We happened to be near my parents. They were out of town," she rationalized. Her smile revealed it all. "My friend happens to be a little shorter than my father, but pants are pants," she laughed. I couldn't wait to hear the rest.

"We were in a hurry," she continued. "And we didn't have time to go back to his apartment. So sometimes you just have to make do," she said.

Ten minutes later they reached the house. They had another 10 minutes to change before they'd be late for the performance.

Date: "This is so embarrassing!" he cried. Can I borrow a belt too? You're not embarrassed about what I'm wearing?"

Carrie: "Those pants are Hugo Boss. They should do."

Date: "Does your father have anything less nice? I wouldn't want to ruin these!"

Carrie: "Put them on… see if they fit! We're running out of time."

Date: "People are going to comment about me not wearing socks!"

Carrie: "No one is going to look at your ankles!"

Date: "These pants are way too big! Could your father be any wider?"

Carrie: "You'll look fine."

Date: "But I have to max out the belt? What's wrong with this belt? All right how do I look?

Carrie: "You look great! Now lets go!"

Date: "I guess I look OK. Are you dating me, or are you dating your dad? These pants are too big! This is crazy! Are you sure you're not

embarrassed about me wearing this?"

Carrie: "Of course not! No one will notice and we'll have fun."

Date: "OK, but lets hope the theater lights are kept dark. And lets not tell anyone about this one…."

Date: "Oh yeah, and can we try this again next Saturday? I promise to bring clothes!"

Lesson learned. Be flexible. And sometimes you have to tighten your belt and just go with the flow.

All singles have a story to tell. Some are funny, some sad and others inspirational. What's yours? Dana Greene is an award-winning nationally syndicated columnist. To share your ideas, email danagreene1@yahoo.com.