My second date with Evan and our first in-person date (if you haven’t done so yet, read about our virtual date here)

I loved everything about it. The fact that he wanted to know what I like to do ahead of the date, so that he could pick a place I’d like. That he picked me up from home and we went together. That we went by bike. The weather. The sunset. The amazing spot he picked – Holzmarkt (translated into “Wood or Wooden Market”) – a collection of artsy, wooden shacks along the canal that sell food and drinks. That he brought me home without making it awkward (this moment when you’re not sure how to say goodbye). And Evan, of course.

We took a slightly longer route to get there, as Evan wanted to show me some of his favorite places along the way. At Holzmarkt, we picked our drinks and our spot along the canal. The place had such a great energy. And then we talked. For hours. Until they kicked us out. About everything. Career, aspirations, families, living abroad, living in Berlin, politics (we are so aligned!), drugs, sex and music, what we’ve learned from past relationships … Evan is smart, funny, open, mature and yet young at heart and got me pretty quickly. He made comments about my personality that were so spot on! We drank, we spoke, we laughed a lot and yes, we kissed. The entire evening felt just so full of life.

Except the one moment when we kissed for the very first time and I flinched. After 7 years in the UAE, I’m so conditioned to not show any affection in public. We couldn’t stop laughing when I told him how for a second I felt that we were doing something illegal. And yes, overall I feel a bit like a high school student again. With the added benefit of being ok with who I am and (mostly) knowing what I want. I’m ending today on a big high!

The one small concern on my mind is how much I’ll be willing to share. As I start caring more about him, I’ll want our relationship to remain private. On the other hand, sharing our experiences and learnings is the entire point of this blog. Something to explore further after date #3…which will have to wait until Evan is back from vacation next week. High school student’s patience is being tested!