You read that correctly. I’m still dating in the middle of this pan dulce. This panini. This pangea. Most of it has been virtually, in fact 99% of it has been virtually, but I’m venturing out and having an in-person date with someone new this week.
I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit nervous. I’m doing everything possible to limit exposure. I’m not in the office full-time and working from home for half of the week. I’m not out in these streets like I was pre-panini. I haven’t traveled much. I’ve even kept my bubble incredibly small. I’m still nervous.
We’ve both agreed to get tested so we’ll know our status going in. I get regular tests through work, but this is an extra precaution. I even found a lab that does rapid testing and takes my insurance so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to me. And on top of all of that we decided that it would still be safer to meet up outdoors. We’ll see how it goes. This will be the first time I’ve had an in-person first date in over a year. I actually got used to Netflix Party and UberEats dates. Facetime/Skype and wine or whiskey dates. Game nights on the Houseparty app. But I guess this week’s date is a good way to ease me back into pre-pandemic dating.
I’ve already gotten my first vaccine dose and I should be fully vaccinated by the end of the month. I don’t think I’ll jump feet first back into the dating scene just yet, but if all goes well this week then I might be more inclined to meet someone on a patio at a coffee shop or bar instead of chatting them up behind a screen. Maybe even Netflix and chillin in person!