My birthday month. It was a month of many dates.  Many lessons.

There was the Greek guy I went on a few dates with. When I realized that there was definitely no chemistry, I offered friendship. He accepted, or so I thought. After going out as friends with my sister and I, he began the repetitive calling and texting again.  The next time he asked me out I mentioned friendship again. He became defensive, and wanted to convince me that there was chemistry.  I let him vent, but in the end, he realized I was serious.  He stopped calling.

Lesson: People hear what they want to hear.  They create their own stories. Be firm and make sure there are no misunderstandings. 

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” ― George Bernard Shaw

There was the date with the accountant.  Great first date, but he immediately started acting as if we were already a couple.   Already planning the future.  He was talking about expensive vacations, etc.  Too much too soon.  It would have been exciting if we had been going out for a few months; after just one date it is just overwhelming. I mentioned that to him, and just let things fizzle.

Lesson: Nice guy, trying too hard. Oftentimes people are in love with the idea of love, of a partner, and will attach themselves to the first person they meet.

“Any man’s measure is determined by what he will do when he is faced with his own deep need. Not how high he may reach but how low he may kneel.” – J. Otis Yoder, When You Pray

Date with B., the guy I had first had a few dates 5 years before.  We went on a couple of dates and it was seeming more and more like fate.

There were great dates and not so great dates.  I struggled with trying to be in the moment.  I was scared of the potential.  It seemed so meant to be, and at times, it seemed to be such a struggle.

There will be more to come about him…

“But all fairytales have rules, and perhaps it’s their rules that actually distinguish one fairytale from the other. These rules never need to be understood. They only need to be followed. If not, what they promise won’t come true.” ― Jostein Gaarder

In March I got the Covid booster shot to be able to travel to Brazil.  I was extremely conflicted about getting it, but had no choice.  Brazil was not letting anyone in without a vaccine and booster.  The choice was not to go to Brazil and see my family.  And that was no choice.

I remain conflicted about the vaccine. At this point I will not take any additional boosters. I will continue to do all I can to boost my immune system.

“What you think may change what you do, but what is also true is, what you do will change what you think.” ― J.R. Rim