After visiting Mom, I made the 120-mile trip to West Columbia, South Carolina. After about an hour and a half on Warp 1, I arrived at my destination: my invitation to Airica's nephew's birthday party.
And what an afternoon it turned out to be!
It was part birthday party, part Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, and part, "Are you sure you want to get involved with the people who are important to me and me?"
No pressure, right? 😂
First, Let's Talk About the Family
Airica has mentioned several times that her family is out of control. All of them, including the people adopted into the family. Apparently, the tie that binds this group is thicker than blood.
I can relate.
I've chronicled my family on this blog, along with some of the dynamics I've observed and experienced over the years. Every family has its quirks, its characters, and those stories that make outsiders wonder whether somebody should call a therapist or a documentary crew.
Based on what I've seen, Airica's family isn't any crazier than mine.
They aren't wearing other people's skin. At least, as far as I know.
Nobody is praying to a pineapple named Fred who promises to transport them into the 17th dimension.
And nobody has asked me to wear a Nike tracksuit and matching shoes while drinking some mysterious juice that will put me to sleep.
So, you know, pretty normal!
I'm kidding, of course. Mostly.
The point is that families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are loud, some are quiet, some are complicated, and some have enough personalities to fill an entire streaming service. What matters is the love, the connections, and the people who show up for one another.
And I was getting the opportunity to see those connections firsthand.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
On the way to a little after-party adventure (more on that shortly), Airica and I talked about how the birthday party had gone.
Apparently, some of her family members think I'm a good guy. Others told her not to mess it up. Some couldn't quite read me.
That last group probably had the most accurate assessment.
I'm an introvert. I tend to observe what's going on around me before I jump into conversations. I'm not the guy who walks into a room and immediately becomes its entertainment director.
Give me time, and I'll open up. As I become more comfortable with people, communication gets easier, and more of my personality comes out.
It's a process.
What I appreciated was that Airica understands this about me. She knows my personality, and she doesn't seem to judge me for it or expect me to change overnight.
That's meaningful.
It's nice to have someone who understands that being quiet doesn't necessarily mean you're uncomfortable, unfriendly, or uninterested. Sometimes I'm simply taking everything in.
And when you're meeting a whole new group of people, there's a lot to take in!
I wasn't there to win a popularity contest. I was there to spend time with Airica, meet people who matter to her, and let them get to know me at their own pace.
If they need more time to figure me out, that's perfectly fine. I'm still figuring some things out myself.
Airica, the Birthday Party Hostess Extraordinaire
While all this social observation was going on, Airica was doing approximately 37 things at once.
She was jumping on a trampoline, helping her sister with the birthday party, entertaining people, and playing hostess with the mostest.
In between all that, we managed to talk, share a few moments, enjoy some cake, and eat pizza. She even brought me pizza while running around and taking care of everything.
And she checked on me several times.
"Are you okay?"
Thumbs up!
Another check-in.
Thumbs up!
I was doing fine. I promise.
I thought it was sweet that she kept checking on me, especially when she had approximately a million other things to do.
But one of the best parts of the afternoon was simply watching her.
She was comfortable, energetic, and free to be herself. She did what came naturally: connecting with her family, helping out, and enjoying the moment.
I liked seeing that side of her.
Sometimes, getting to know somebody isn't just about what they tell you. It's about observing them in their own environment, seeing how they interact with others, and appreciating what makes them who they are.
And yes, I was doing my usual observing.
Apparently, it's my superpower. That and driving long distances.
After the party, I helped clean up, using the cart the trampoline park had left for the occasion. I figured it was the least I could do after being welcomed into the festivities.
Then it was time to head to Airica's house.
She needed to drop off some children and presents, and I had brought a few things for her, too. There were roses, scratch-off tickets, and a few other responsible items.
Flowers and lottery tickets. Romance is alive and well in 2026! 😂
Wait a Minute... Did Someone Say Pumpkin Patch?
Somewhere along the way, Airica mentioned going to a pumpkin patch.
Now, I love the technology we have available today. I pulled out my phone, consulted The Google, and searched for a pumpkin patch near us.
Sure enough, one popped up about 25 minutes away.
When Airica finished putting things away, I told her I'd found one.
Neither of us had much idea what to expect.
So off we went!
When we arrived, I realized the place reminded me of Boone Hall, a local destination near home. It cost $3 per person to enter, and there were pumpkins, photo opportunities, concessions, and an obstacle course.
We were there for pumpkins.
At least, that was the official mission.
Social Media Influencers in the Making
As we walked around the property, I noticed several groups of young girls taking pictures for their social media accounts.
Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or whatever name the kids have given their favorite platforms this week. I'm sure I just offended somebody by getting the names wrong.
Airica, meanwhile, was in her element.
She offered suggestions on poses, helped arrange the scenes, and gave the girls ideas for their pictures. She seemed comfortable connecting with them and helping them get the shots they wanted.
Watching her work with the younger crowd got us talking about a possible business idea: helping young people improve their social media presence through better pictures, posing, and presentation.
There's potentially something there.
A lot of people want to create content, but not everyone knows how to present themselves, arrange a scene, or make the most of a photo opportunity. Someone who understands those things could help them develop their own style.
And Airica was already doing it naturally.
Of course, I was watching and thinking about the possibilities. That's what happens when you spend enough years in the learning-and-development world. You can turn practically anything into a discussion about coaching, skills, and professional development.
I should probably start charging myself consulting fees.
And yes, Airica was also having the young people take pictures of her for social media.
I was invited to join her in a few pictures, too, so there would be proof that I actually went to a pumpkin patch and that she truly exists.
By now, my blog readers may be wondering whether Airica is a real person or an elaborate fictional character I invented to keep this dating experiment interesting.
I assure you, she exists!
And now there is photographic evidence. 📸
The Great Pumpkin Expedition
Now, let's talk pumpkins.
Remember, Airica is from Las Vegas, and I lived there for ten years.
A pumpkin patch in Las Vegas is a very different experience from one in the green surroundings of the East Coast.
Here on what I consider the best coast, you can find greenery, hay, open fields, and acres of space to wander around. It's a whole autumn experience.
We decided on seven medium-sized pumpkins for Airica and the kiddos.
She grabbed a wheelbarrow, while I took responsibility for protecting a prized medium-to-large pumpkin.
I was not about to let that pumpkin fall victim to a careless wheelbarrow maneuver.
We found six more pumpkins, paid for our selections, and headed toward the concessions.
I'm not sure when a pumpkin expedition became a pumpkin acquisition program, but apparently, we don't do anything halfway.
At least the pumpkins didn't require a second vehicle.
Hot Apple Cider and a 2026 Social Media Trend
After paying for our pumpkins, we went looking for hot apple cider.
We found some, along with caramel apple slices, and sat down to talk some more.
It was another opportunity to relax after the birthday party and the pumpkin hunt.
I also learned something new about social media trends.
Apparently, covering your face with a pumpkin is a thing in 2026.
Who knew?
I spent years trying to understand the internet, and now I have to learn pumpkin-based photo trends. I can't keep up.
Airica wasn't particularly impressed with the apple cider, and that's okay. She tried it. Not every food or drink will be a winner, and that's part of the adventure.
Meanwhile, someone from the pumpkin patch kept an eye on our seven prized possessions while we enjoyed our refreshments.
Seven? Wait, didn't we buy thirteen?
Let's just say there were a lot of pumpkins involved, and somebody had to make sure our autumn investment was safe.
Eventually, it was time to wrap things up. Airica yawned, and we both had things to do the next day.
So I took her home.
What Does It All Mean?
After the drive back, we spent a little more time talking and getting to know each other. Then, just like that, I was back at her house, bringing another Saturday to a close.
The next day, Airica planned to clean her home, and I had committed to attending a recovery picnic.
I wasn't sure whether we'd both be free afterward, but I wondered if I might drive to Columbia again in the future.
That's the thing about this Hinge experiment.
I don't know exactly where it's going. I'm not going to pretend I have some grand plan or that every invitation carries a hidden message.
But I am enjoying getting to know Airica.
I'm grateful for the chance to spend time with her, meet the people who matter to her, and see more of who she is when she's surrounded by family and friends.
I'm also learning that sometimes you have to let yourself be part of the experience instead of standing on the sidelines trying to analyze every detail.
Yes, I still overthink things. That won't disappear overnight.
But I'm showing up. I'm participating. I'm meeting people, sharing experiences, and trying to appreciate the moments as they happen.
And I got to see Airica doing what she loves, helping people, being herself, and living her life.
That's a pretty good Saturday.
Even if it involved thirteen pumpkins.
Even if I had to meet a whole bunch of new people.
And even if my brain is still holding meetings about what it all means.
The Hinge Experiment continues. Next up: whatever adventure comes our way. And if Airica mentions another destination, I'm checking Google before I agree to anything! 😂
