I separated during the pandemic…

I separated during the pandemic. A friend suggested I should go online dating to take my mind off it. My first attempts were terrible. After 15 years of marriage I was lost on how to date – especially over zoom. I was ghosted and gaslighted. I became cynical and thought maybe I was taking things too seriously so I went on Tinder looking for something casual. Soon after I opened my app, I started talking with someone. Our conversation seemed to be deeper than those I had with more serious dating apps. We had a zoom date and we really liked each other so we made plans to meet. We both were clear we were not exactly looking for a marriage. Our interactions felt easy as we genuinely liked each other’s company.
I was going through a divorce, I lost my father due to COVID-19 and he had lost his beautiful pet companion of 16 years while his business was struggling to survive. Emotionally speaking, we were not our best.
Despite all of these tragedies, we bonded as friends, as COVID-19 companions, and lovers. We started focusing and building our relationship empowering each other. A casual fling became a gift the the universe.
I feel blessed and grateful to have him in my life. This pandemic has made me cherish every moment of joy that life gives. I now stop and reflect on the precious moments.
I am grateful to feel love and hope again.