For years, I kept it online, with a persona. I met my APs either while I was traveling or when she was. This served me well with OPSEC too.

I work at a large place (2,000 people) and did a small project with a married coworker. Last week she reached out to me for help. I offered further assistance with her side project and started texting. She kept making jokes while texting and suggested we meet outside work. We decided to meet at a bar, barely talking about the project. It was a lot of fun banter and we vented about our relationships (she is seperated). She kept complimenting my intellect during our conversation and my online instincts took the helm. I started slightly touching her arm, shoulder, pulling back and she responded back. When we ordered the third round of drinks, I put my hand behind her chair and she leaned back so that I can touch her back. Then I started holding her waist and we talked like that for another hour. There were lots of jabs and laughing.

At some point, she started showing me stuff on her cell and that made us even more closer. I was holding her and our legs were in full contact. At some point, I turned to her and said she was so much fun. There, she raised her head and I kissed her. From that point on, the floodgates opened and we made out for another 30 minutes at the back of the bar. When we were leaving, she said, she wasn't opposed to meeting at a more private spot next time (aka not a bar).

Now... this is my first time "meeting" someone I know in real life. The good thing is that I am pretty sure she doesn't want any drama in her life right now, neither do I, ever.

I am not even sure there is a question here. But, this "first" is making me anxious (because of the obvious dent in OPSEC) but also excited. I get to be fully "myself" and accepted as is for the first time for a long time.