Hey both

@genie I hope you are feeling better! Anxiety can have such strong manifestations physically. I’ve been having dance parties where I can, putting on uplifting music and just going for it! I find it helps shake me out of the worst of it.

I really feel for you both in the UK in terms of the ongoing uncertainty about when lockdown will be lifted. Where I live things are much more contained. Hope you are able to connect with your family as much as you can; sending love! Love that the older generation is embracing the video tech too @michelle and that you got to connect with your parents. I am not an overly physically affectionate person but physical contact is definitely something I miss too – even just the little everyday incidental contact; the things we take for granted!

Thanks Genie for your reassurance about being here to support. You’re right, repressing grief only leads to more pain in the long run. I wish my parents had taught me this growing up as it’s only after seeking therapy that I am learning how much not labeling and processing my feelings has affected me and held me back but everyone has their own coping mechanisms I guess. At least I can change it for myself now.

Ice cream iso-date tonight! I love the feeling of excitement you get before a date, especially a second one because you know the first one went well enough that you both want to do it again. Should be fun! She got the flower cookies a couple of days ago and loved the idea. 🙂 We will realistically not be able to meet in person for another 3 weeks, maybe more, so will have to keep being creative. We have kept up daily contact and I am slowly getting over my communication anxieties I feel… every time either I or her react differently to what I’ve experienced before I get a little more confident. You’re right I think Michelle, just a general lack of confidence in this area I think. Good to know that I can build it slowly but surely!

Was talking to a friend yesterday who is going through that painful phase post breakup where they are realising keeping up contact is ultimately hindering them. I was saying to them that even though cutting contact feels absolutely awful short term it is essential to healing long term. I would never have believed that when I first joined here but looking back and looking where I am now it is so true, so thank you for your kind but firm advice in that aspect.

Take care both! I’ll let you know how the second date goes!