Skip The Dinner Date, Go On A Hike Instead. I Did!
Ah, yes, the humble hiking date. Let’s be honest, compared to the usual first-date circus of overpriced cocktails and Michelin-star pretzel bites, it sounds as thrilling as watching paint dry… until you actually try it. I was once such a cynic. But 2023, in all its chaotic glory, brought with it a revelation in the form of a sweaty forehead, a questionable choice in protein shakes, and 20 miles of breathtaking scenery.
Picture this: me, meticulously crafting my hair into a “sporty yet adorable” masterpiece (let’s be real, it was a ponytail held together by a prayer) and packing protein shakes like I was preparing for Mount Everest (Turns out, it was mostly for moral support). My date, bless their thrifty soul, suggested a hike. My first thought? “Cheapskate!” Societal expectations are a stubborn beast, after all. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, and my dating life was on life support anyway.
So off we went, armed with questionable protein sources and zero expectations. The beauty of a walk-and-talk date is the low pressure. It’s like wearing yoga pants to brunch — comfortable, effortless, and nobody really judges… except maybe for the squirrels eyeing your protein shake with suspicion. It also throws expectations out the window faster than a squirrel launching itself across a tree branch. No trying to impress with witty barbs (let’s face it, my wit usually gets lost in the wilderness of awkward silences), just enjoying the scenery and letting the conversation flow (or sputter) as it may.
Now, the story doesn’t end with fireworks and a happily ever after. Turns out, I wasn’t quite ready to be the outdoorsy goddess I aspired to be, and things fizzled faster than my protein shake in the summer sun. But guess what? I emerged from that hike victorious! Okay, maybe not romantically, but I conquered a new mountain (literally) and discovered a treasure trove of 20 fresh trails for solo adventures.
So, the moral of this sweaty, protein-shake-fueled story? Ditch the drama, grab your sneakers, and embrace the beauty of the simple date. You might just surprise yourself with what you find — gorgeous landscapes, the freedom of your own company (and maybe, just maybe, a decent hiking buddy along the way). Remember, dating doesn’t have to be a competition in calorie-burning or witty banter. Sometimes, the best connections are forged on dirt paths, fueled by shared protein shakes and zero expectations. So lace up your shoes, take a deep breath, and trust me, the trail to love might just be a hike away.
P.S. Squirrel, if you’re reading this, the protein shake was delicious. No hard feelings.
