Derek Rake, LLC

Derek Rake, LLC: I'm in my early thirties now, but back when I was in my twenties, I used to be a regular guy. I worked as a programmer for a small company, and I was well paid. I drove an Acura and rented a one-bedroom apartment with a view of Lake Michigan in Chicago. I may not have been the male equivalent of a pageant queen, but by most women's standards, I was at least somewhat attractive. I exercised regularly, so my physique was in top form, and I kept my clothes well maintained and clean all day. And yet, women would always do a double-take whenever they passed me, no matter where I went. Embarrassing as it might be, women used to be my biggest nightmare. My relationship was a disaster, and I say disaster in the same vein that Fred Flintstone used to say, "Yabba-dabba-doo!" At the time, it felt like my life was at a standstill. I was attracted to women, but they didn't share the same feelings. I appreciate it now when I think about the past. I felt cold when I saw a beautiful lady. Or, worse, I'd become a nervous wreck, and I couldn't help but fuss and fidget.