'Tis the Season
- Tuesday, December 14 2010 @ 01:38 pm
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,677
In winter it can be tempting to hibernate. To shut down life completely and come out in the spring, when the unforgiving iciness of the world is thawing, and everything looks more promising.
Pretty imagery aside, winter is a good four-plus months when life certainly does go on. People meet, dates are scheduled. Still, winter comes with its own set of unique challenges when it comes to finally meeting in person.
I'm talking about the flu and cold season.
That undoubtedly elicited a few scoffs from the audience. What am I, some kind of germaphobe? Far from it – but every winter I hear from friends about a first date that was either canceled outright due to illness, made miserable because someone was coming down with something, or tainted because an illness was transferred that night.
Just as we plan for inclement weather through the various seasons, so too should we accept that sometimes a “cold and flu season” is called that because the incidences of illness are far more common, and plan accordingly.
First and foremost, if you suspect you're coming down with something, don't risk it and go out anyway. Best case scenario, your body fights it off and you don't ultimately become sick, but you'll probably be distracted or weak that night anyway. Worst case scenario, you become ill during the date and pass on your illness for good measure. And let's not forget, going on a first date when you're potentially sick could actually provide extra stress, and tip you into chicken-soup territory.
If you have to cancel a date because of illness, don't feel guilty about it – it happens to everyone, and your date would much rather you both stay happy and healthy. However, if you're not too sick to do so, try shooting an extra email or a funny text message before your rescheduled date – keep that connection going so your date doesn't worry that it's just an excuse.
It's great when you find someone you can be vulnerable around – but preferably we're talking about your emotions, not your immune system. It's not killing romance to remember that going on a first date means meeting someone with a totally different system than you. Take precautions, wash your hands, and don't forget to enjoy yourself.
Pretty imagery aside, winter is a good four-plus months when life certainly does go on. People meet, dates are scheduled. Still, winter comes with its own set of unique challenges when it comes to finally meeting in person.
I'm talking about the flu and cold season.
That undoubtedly elicited a few scoffs from the audience. What am I, some kind of germaphobe? Far from it – but every winter I hear from friends about a first date that was either canceled outright due to illness, made miserable because someone was coming down with something, or tainted because an illness was transferred that night.
Just as we plan for inclement weather through the various seasons, so too should we accept that sometimes a “cold and flu season” is called that because the incidences of illness are far more common, and plan accordingly.
First and foremost, if you suspect you're coming down with something, don't risk it and go out anyway. Best case scenario, your body fights it off and you don't ultimately become sick, but you'll probably be distracted or weak that night anyway. Worst case scenario, you become ill during the date and pass on your illness for good measure. And let's not forget, going on a first date when you're potentially sick could actually provide extra stress, and tip you into chicken-soup territory.
If you have to cancel a date because of illness, don't feel guilty about it – it happens to everyone, and your date would much rather you both stay happy and healthy. However, if you're not too sick to do so, try shooting an extra email or a funny text message before your rescheduled date – keep that connection going so your date doesn't worry that it's just an excuse.
It's great when you find someone you can be vulnerable around – but preferably we're talking about your emotions, not your immune system. It's not killing romance to remember that going on a first date means meeting someone with a totally different system than you. Take precautions, wash your hands, and don't forget to enjoy yourself.
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