I hope you guys are weathering out the cold post snow storm days somewhere safe and warm. So here's something to read if you're into it. I usually don't write this kind of post, but I had an awesome encounter with Jen. I half-jokingly promised to give her a shoutout on Reddit, so here it is, to Jen.

Meet Jen. (Obviously, for privacy reasons, Jen is an alias name.)

Jen and I exchanged messages in which she introduced herself as a goth and a metalhead. She mentioned that she was a little high on weeds. And, if I could pick her up and go to the drive-thru together. I was nervous since I never did this before, and she was high. lol despite the obvious what-ifs questions, I agreed and went to pick her up. I picked her up from a gas station near her house (she did not want to give me an exact address). Her first impression was that she had a huge smile, was humble and was super friendly. Her quirky big glasses looked so cute. She wore a comfy loose hoodie and sweatpants. We introduced ourselves in the car and agreed to get a burrito instead of the drive-thru, and she ended up paying for both of us. We got the burrito and parked the car in the parking lot facing the road, so there was something to watch while we talked.

Initially, she fiddled with my car's audio system, but then we paired her phone to Bluetooth so she could control the music. We moved from the front seat to the back seat. We talked about work, relationships, religion, the ouija board - the usual conversation to get to know each other. I thought I was stressed, but I gotta respect her for what she has been and going through <3. She introduced me to Nine Inch Nails band. I had never act listened to heavy metal before, so it was quite the trip. We slumped back, holding hands, listening to what she was going through in her life, and me asking stupid questions about some of the references in the songs in between. Sometimes it is easier to let your guard down and talk to strangers about things you can't share with your immediate friends and family. Having her in my arms and enjoying the moment was incredible. It felt natural, and none of us made it weird. At this point, we just realized two hours had passed, and she had to get up for work early in the morning. So I dropped her off. (lol I pulled up at the same gas station where I picked her up, but then she was too lazy to walk in the cold, so I ended up dropping her at her house. I picked up a tea on my way home. I messaged her to say my thanks and fell asleep. I felt so relaxed this morning. I would try this again.

Jen, if you're reading this, remember what I said :) And thanks for buying me a burrito and introducing me to your favorite band. You are fantastic, and I hope to see you again.