This is the fourth article in the series of five in understanding introverts. As you probably noticed, or maybe you didn’t, I haven’t posted in almost a year! After going back to work when COVID restrictions lifted, I have been buried in everyday stress, life and health issues. But enough with the excuses! I know you can’t wait to read this next article. Let’s get going!
Date Night! At the moment I have a tingle of excitement as I look forward to dinner and a movie or maybe some mini golf. As I’m standing in front of the mirror, touching up my makeup for the hundredth time, my mind starts to wonder. Reservations are at 6 pm. Right at the time that most everyone else is out. That means crowds and noise. (Eyes widen at the thought). Even though we have reservations, I’m sure we’ll be stuck for at least 15 minutes standing in a corner against a guy that bathed in his cologne and his date that cackles like a witch. I don’t know what’s worse, needing a gas mask or ear plugs. I snap back to reality. “Stop it!” I tell myself. On to my hair…my mop. By the time I’m done, I look like I was in a light saber fight with burns on my forehead, neck and fingers. Dang it! I look at the cute little dress I’d bought online and my brain starts to interfere again. Do I look fat? Is it too tight? And now I have to find shoes that I won’t fall flat on my face in. The struggle is real!
Finally ready! Of course my husband took literally 15 mins to get ready and most of that time was to brush his teeth. He looks like he belongs on the cover of GQ and I feel like I should be on the cover of The Sun. “Beached whale spotted walking into the hottest restaurant in town on the arm of Fabio.” I am now trying to figure out how to get out of dinner so that I can get back into my yoga pants and long comfy t-shirt.
Into the car, and immediately I’m in the beginnings of a panic attack as my husband weaves in, out, through traffic and coming to sudden stops causing the seat belt to assault me. By the time we finally squeeze into a tiny parking spot and I get myself through the pin hole sized opening between my door and the parked car next to me, my makeup is running and my hair looks like a version of Don King’s. I need a drink! We walk hand in hand to the restaurant door, and stare at the mass of bodies standing there we have to maneuver through just to get to the hostess to check in. So we get into our fullback stance and start our journey forward dealing with dirty looks as we bump into people. We check in and find a tiny space by a massive plant to stand to wait for our table. I am now suffering a full blown panic attack as claustrophobia takes over. Why in the heck do these restaurants make their entryways the size of a closet?! The only saving grace, no cackling woman and cologne man near us.
Our name is finally called and we head back to our table. The lighting is low, the tables have candles, very romantic. We are led to a booth, snug in a corner. I’m finally starting to relax which was a mistake. I should have known better. The booth next to ours is empty until a very loud, obnoxious group of four get seated there. Not only can I now not hear my husband talk but I can’t hear myself think! The seat is constantly being bumped to the point where I’m having to concentrate hard to get my glass to my lips without spilling half of it’s contents on the table or down my front. The dinner is delicious but I’m wanting to hurry and get the check. My head is pounding in time with my seat being bumped. Relief sweeps over me as we finish up, stand up and head out of the place. Back to the safety and quiet of our car.
My husband asks about a movie. All I have strength to do is look at him. Luckily for me, he knows me well. With a smile he starts the car and we head off. I close my eyes, trying to relax. Soon, the car is stopping and I’m wondering what movie we will be seeing. As I open my eyes, I smile. We are parked in front of our house. MOVIE NIGHT! YES! Comfy clothes, quiet space, pause button, and my safe place. Best date night ever.
