Even at a social distance he looked good
Knowing there wouldn’t be any touching took away some pressure
Ashlee is 33, works in entertainment, and lives downtown. She describes her style as “trendy, cute, and comfortable.” Ashlee likes to “travel the world” and “experience new things.” She says, “my type of guy is anyone who seems a bit out of my league. My friends call this ‘dating up.’ I like the chase, the challenge.” She says, “I go for successful guys who can improve and enhance my life, not take away from it. I have a good career, a successful side hustle, and lots of hobbies and interests. I need someone who appreciates that hard work is key. And, being able afford to eat well and travel doesn’t hurt!”
One of my goals for 2020 was to find a meaningful relationship and settle down. I actually met someone who was quiet, thoughtful and already knew my sister, so that was a bonus! Fun fact: he was also a doctor. I can have it all, I thought.
For the first time in a while, I was truly hopeful.
And then COVID-19 hit. All of a sudden, life came to a halt. I kept seeing the doctor for a few weeks, but it ultimately ended. I wanted someone who had time for me, and do you know who has no time for someone? A doctor during a pandemic. I felt a bit hopeless after that. The whole world literally seemed to be against me.
I thought quarantine might last a few weeks or a month, but then I had the realization that COVID-19 was much bigger than I expected. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to meet people again anytime soon … and I just kind of lost it.
I continued to swipe right and left. It was a way to feel normal, and to pass the time. I came across Jeremiah’s profile, and was drawn in by his nice smile. He was also smart, successful and interesting.
We chatted back and forth on the app. His answers were thoughtful and insightful, and I liked that he took the time to respond in paragraphs.
We exchanged numbers, and started texting. We talked at length about COVID-19. He was very cautious when he suggested we meet in person as opposed to just texting. He suggested a social-distance walk.
I was hesitant about it. “Stay home!” had been drilled into my head, and I hadn’t seen another person besides my roommate in ages, but I was feeling pretty lonely. And desperate. I spoke to my roommate about it, and she agreed that as long as we kept our distance, it would be OK. I insisted we walk six feet or more apart and stay outside, which Jeremiah was fine with. It was simply understood that there wouldn’t be any touching. I think that people have to be open and honest when dating during quarantine, and really try to keep safe: washing hands, wearing a mask. It would be weird if someone showed up in a full-on Hazmat suit, and the other person didn’t even have a mask on!
I tried to look cute and casual with yoga pants and a T-shirt, and did my hair for the first time in weeks. I was excited for the first time in what seemed like forever. I think the COVID-19 issue actually put me more at ease before the date, knowing that nobody would be putting moves on me. Less pressure.
Jeremiah and I met outside his building. When I first saw him, I was pleasantly surprised. He looked much better than in his profile. We said hello, avoiding illegal physical contact, and started walking, talking the whole time. The conversation flowed easily, as Jeremiah asked thoughtful questions.
He walked and spoke confidently. I knew texting back and forth was easy with him, but being around him, even at a distance, was also surprisingly comfortable. We found a spot where we could sit and watch the sunset, and he pulled out two beers from his bag. Nice touch. We were sitting far apart, and it was weird not to touch him or get close to him as we talked. The conversation became a bit more personal. We talked about work, travel, food and everything in our lives that had changed.
We walked back to his place after the sunset. I was pretty forward about wanting to see him again. I didn’t want to waste this opportunity, Coronatime or not!
I felt a bit hopeless. The whole world literally seemed to be against me