Alright, it’s finally time. The pandemic feels like it’s somewhat behind us and I’m officially going on dates. Yes, you heard that right. DATES. I redownloaded the dreaded apps and got to swiping. And honestly, it’s a disaster out there. I wish I had better news. But for months, I swear I swiped on hot mess express men profile after profile. My fingers got tired. My carpal tunnel flared up. I was feeling defeated. But it is truly a numbers game, and finally ended up going on a few dates.
And for those wondering, yes alcohol-free dates. I’m trying really hard to not drink for the sole fact that drinking makes me feel absolutely miserable the next day. If it’s not day drinking, I can’t do it. A whole post on this to come soon too. So, yes, coffee dates are my new thing. And you know what It’s not so bad.
Post Pandemic Dating Confidence
I’ll be honest. The first date I went on I definitely had those first date jitters, as you often do. Personally, though, I tend to go into dating app first dates without that type of anxiety. There is just a lot less stress on them if you ask me. You have nothing to really lose, you owe this person nothing. Just enjoy an hour and see what happens. That’s always been the way I look at them. This person is not my boyfriend, this person is just someone I’m grabbing a drink with to chat for an hour. That’s it. Nothing more.
But after a year at home and no dating, and wanting to do this sans cocktail and removing my liquid courage, there was definitely more social anxiety I think associated with these first few post-pandemic first dates. After getting through them unscathed, I regained my normal first date confidence again. And even more so after realizing yes, I can hold a conversation without a cocktail in hand. I definitely got a nice boost of confidence from that.
Not to mention I think there has been a level of confidence or security that I’ve felt after the last 18 months. I am not willing to waste my time anymore. And I am not willing to let shitty people into my life. I didn’t just sit at home this whole time to get back into the real world and not enjoy my life to the absolute fullest. My tolerance for bull shit is quite low now and I think that’s a really great mentality for getting back into dating again. Getting through this pandemic showed me that life is short, time is precious and there’s really no reason to waste your time on things that don’t make you happy.
My Ideal Summer Date Outfit
And when thinking of what to wear on a first date, this is my summer date outfit standby. It’s casual, but cute, comfortable and put together. These mom jean shorts are so so comfortable and work really well with simple cotton tanks, or prettier nicer tanks and blouses too. They run a bit big so definitely size down at least one size. I’ve heard of some people sizing down two sizes. And if you need some more first-date outfit ideas, I’ve got an entire post dedicated to it here. So many great ideas as we jump back into the dating pool.
