to like, or not to like, that is the question

Forgive me, Mr. Shakespeare, for my inelegant theft of one of your most famous lines. But, you see, there is this girl I know and she just doesn't like me. I don't know why. It's not that I want to be great friends or anything, but it is rather frustrating. I would like to know why she doesn't like me; I haven't done anything...that I know about. I annoy her, I can tell. It's bothered me for a while, but today I realized that sometimes there is no reason why one person has a particular like, or dislike, for another. It's funny, I thought that something like this would really bother me, and not so long ago, I think it would have. It's unfortunate, because we come into regular contact, but we're polite, and I suppose that that's just the way it'll have to be. I don't know what it is that I do that annoys her so; I've extended the hand of civility; there's nothing else for me to do.

Of course, now that I don't care, our relations will improve. Isn't that the secret to how such things work?

i've never been so frightened...but at least i have a husband

I have a very well-meaning friend who insists on hooking people up. It's quite annoying. Single friends, family come to visit, and five minutes after meeting them he says, "I know who you'd be perfect for". STOP IT.

Now he's turned his sights on me. Poor, single late-twentysomthing. He thinks that he found someone "perfect" for me. From his e-mail, the guy seems nice enough, but I don't know. He is four or five years younger, has a science degree but is in the arts (I am trying to be specific, yet vague). The last bit, more than the age, puts me off; I'm enough of a drama queen for both of us that there doesn't need to be anymore added to the relationship. Although, the age is a rather big thing, too. Five years younger; that's within the half-plus-seven rule, but still. Five years.Guys my age are immature enough as it is.

Part of what I'm rebelling against is that I don't like being set-up. It's not like I asked him if he knew anyone eligible; then, it would be very different. I do hope that someday I will meet someone. I want to have a boyfriend - eventually. I want to get married - eventually. Maybe even have kids - eventually. I just don't want to be pushed into it. And now, since the guy is willing to meet me, I feel pressured into meeting him. I don't like that. I also don't think that my friend has any idea what I'm looking for in a guy. First off, he met this guy in a bar through a friend, both of whom apparently go all the time; I go once in a blue moon. I don't think that that's a very good start.

Isn't it ironic? I don't want this attention and I have friends that don't get it and want it. That's how it always goes. I wish all of my admirers (especially the sketchy ones, which constitute the majority) on them. Then we'd all be happy.

So, I'm looking for advice. Yay or nay? I'm really strongly feeling the nay. But, how do I say that?