Another Saturday, another trip to Columbia, South Carolina. At this point, I should probably start looking into frequent-driver miles. 😂
After visiting Mom, I'm heading to Columbia to hang out with Airica at a birthday party. Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, there's one small detail that makes this feel a little different.
I'm being introduced to people. Actual people!
Wait, We're Meeting People Now?
When I started this Hinge experiment, I figured I'd meet someone, go on a few dates, have some interesting conversations, and maybe find a restaurant or two worth recommending.
I didn't necessarily plan on becoming a regular on the Columbia social scene.
But here I am, getting ready to attend a birthday party with Airica, meeting people in her world, and trying not to overthink what any of it means.
I said trying.
I'm not analyzing this. Or, at least, I'm trying not to analyze it. Unfortunately, the committee in my head has apparently called an emergency meeting, and nobody remembered to send me the agenda.
What does it mean when someone invites you to a birthday party? Am I just there to enjoy the party? Am I being introduced to people because we're spending time together? Is this simply another opportunity for us to get to know each other?
The possibilities are endless, and my brain wants to explore every single one.
Meanwhile, the sensible part of me is saying, "Niel, just go to the party!"
Thank you, sensible part of my brain. I'll try to get you a promotion.
Four O'Clock to Six O'Clock... And Then?
The birthday party runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
What happens afterward? I have absolutely no idea.
Maybe we'll grab something to eat. Maybe we'll spend more time together. Maybe we'll say our goodbyes and head home. I'm not going to pretend I know how the rest of the day will unfold.
And that's something I'm working on: letting things happen without trying to write the next five chapters in my head before I've finished the current one.
I'm 54 years old. I've lived enough life to know that not everything comes with a roadmap. Sometimes you just have to show up, participate, and see what happens.
Apparently, learning that lesson through online dating is part of my continuing education.
Where's my certificate?
The Part I'm Grateful For
Here's what I do know.
I'm glad I get to spend time with Airica. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about her, share experiences, and meet some of the people in her life.
That matters to me.
I'm also learning that getting to know someone isn't limited to the conversations you two have over dinner. Sometimes it's seeing how they interact with friends, sharing a social experience, and getting a little glimpse into their world.
And yes, there's something else I'm looking forward to.
Airica gives awesome hugs.
There. I said it.
I'm not going to overanalyze the hugs. I'm not going to develop a spreadsheet to measure hug quality, duration, or emotional impact.
Still, given my professional background, I could probably create a performance evaluation form.
Hug quality: Exceeds expectations.
Repeatability: Highly recommended.
Overall satisfaction: Five stars.
Okay, maybe I shouldn't be allowed to manage this experiment without adult supervision.
But seriously, those hugs make me smile, and I'm looking forward to another one.
Letting the Hinge Experiment Happen
I've written quite a bit about dating, the awkward moments, the funny experiences, and the uncertainty that comes with getting to know someone new.
This experience with Airica has been different in ways I'm still figuring out. We've shared meals, taken trips, laughed together, and now I'm meeting people in her life.
I'm not predicting where this is going. I don't know what the future holds, and I don't need to have every answer today.
My goal is to be present, enjoy the experience, and give us both the opportunity to learn more about each other.
Will I succeed at not overthinking everything?
Let's be realistic. I'm going to overthink at least some of it. I'm me.
But I'm trying.
Today, I'm going to visit Mom, drive to Columbia, attend a birthday party, meet some actual people, spend time with Airica, and hopefully get one of those awesome hugs.
That's a pretty good Saturday if you ask me.
If my brain insists on another emergency meeting, I'll remind it the party ends at 6 p.m. There's plenty of time to overanalyze things tomorrow.
For now, I'm just glad to be invited along for the ride.
The Hinge Experiment continues. And apparently, the next phase involves meeting actual human beings. Wish me luck! 😂
