The Spiral
Spiralling daily, weekly, and monthly about pretty much anything and everything. Minor inconveniences encouraged!
Our inaugural post begins with a quandary: what is the etiquette around first dates on a summer trip? Do you prioritize a date when you meet someone on vacation? You’re both with groups of friends, or even family. You’re both foreigners in a strange place. You’re both yearning for the “Summer Love” Sandy and Danny sang about, and yet, who is responsible for making it happen?
My personal belief is that vacation romances are, for the most part and with the fewest exceptions, casual and fun. The chances of Julio from Portugal being your soulmate as you dance till dawn off the coast of a Spanish island are probably slim, but not impossible! All that being said, I wholeheartedly advocate for casual and foreign romances that could turn into life-altering relationships. However, do you pursue the romance with the laissez-faire attitude of agreeing to meet at a crowded beach club at “some point in the night,” or with the formality of planning a dinner where you both divulge your most intimate details and traumas whilst sipping a vintage red?
If you were both in your hometowns, it would seem obvious that at the very least some effort would need to be put into the plans so as not to seem careless. But vacation rules dictate that it must always be easy, breezy, and (hopefully) beautiful, so where does that leave us? Do we just invariably lower our standards on trips because we know the impermanence of the situation? Or do we take our lists, our expectations, and our dignity, and demand the bells and whistles? I suppose it’s circumstantial to each person and their situation, but from recent experience, I must say: keeping my expectations high was rewarding and pleasant.
I was whisked away to a romantic candlelit cave that doubled as a restaurant, overlooking the Balearic Sea and littered with couples in an enchanted daze. While living my best Taylor Swift bridge, about six minutes into our conversation, I realized this man was, in fact, not my soulmate. Not even second-date worthy. But the paella I devoured as I actively tried to tune him out was priceless! As I chewed that gluttonous, greasy treat and looked out onto the water crashing over the rocks under the moonlight, I realized that no matter what he said (which I truly can’t recall, as I was in a metaphorical food high), this would still be up there on my list of tolerable first dates, because I am, first and foremost, a prized cow who likes to eat well.
So I direct the question to you: would I have been better off saving my time and including my friends in this unfortunate event, dancing under strobing lights in a room heavy with bass from a popular DJ? Or was the paella alone worth the lost time? And is the time ever really “lost,” since each date and each person is supposed to teach you something about yourself? I could be making that last part up in order to quell my ever-screeching anxiety about the future, but alas, with great delusion comes great responsibility. As someone who suffers from crippling fomo and will show up to the opening of an envelope, time is more valuable than anything else. Time spent on a date that could’ve been a short meal was also not ideal. My take? Perhaps be slightly more discerning in the future. I shall, of course, continue my travels with an optimistic mind and the open heart of a romantic on steroids looking for her one true love!
Mantra of the Week:
“Embrace the journey, because within change lies potential.”
Song of the Week:
Your Week in Astrology:
♈️ Aries 🔥
You’re entering your “I’ll just do it myself” era this week. Try delegating before you accidentally acquire three new jobs and a resentment problem. The stars say you’re right, but maybe don’t say I told you so out loud.
♉️ Taurus 💸
Your bank account would like a word. Unfortunately, you’re currently unavailable because you found something you “literally need.” Treat yourself within reason (emphasis on within reason).
♊️ Gemini 🫠
Your social calendar is thriving. Your social battery? Different story. This week, you may find yourself making plans with the confidence of someone who will absolutely want to cancel them later. Proceed accordingly.
♋️ Cancer 🦀
Someone’s energy feels off, and naturally you’ve already constructed seven possible explanations. Before you spiral, consider the deeply unsettling possibility that it has nothing to do with you. Protect your peace.
♌️ Leo ✨
Attention is coming your way this week, which is obviously where it belongs. Accept the compliments, post the picture, wear the outfit. Just remember: mysterious is hotter than explaining yourself.
♍️ Virgo 📋
You have a plan. You have a backup plan. You have a backup plan for the backup plan. Unfortunately, the universe has decided to freestyle this week. Your assignment: let one thing happen without trying to optimize it.
♎️ Libra ⚖️
A decision is looming, and asking 14 people what they think has somehow made things worse. Deep down, you already know what you want. Pick it before someone introduces a third option.
♏️ Scorpio 👀
Your intuition is suspiciously accurate this week. You don’t need screenshots, witness testimony, or a 47-slide presentation to prove your point. Observe quietly and let people reveal themselves.
♐️ Sagittarius ✈️
You’re craving a little excitement, which historically has been dangerous for everyone involved. Book the trip, make the plan, flirt with the stranger. Just maybe don’t make any irreversible decisions after 11 p.m.
♑️ Capricorn 🧘♀️
You’ve been productive enough. Seriously. Nobody is giving out medals for answering emails at 10:47 p.m. Close the laptop and do something completely useless for once. Consider it personal growth.
♒️ Aquarius 👽
You’re feeling slightly detached this week, but in a chic, mysterious way. Take your space, ignore the group chat for a few hours, and return when you’re ready to interact with society again.
♓️ Pisces 💗
Your imagination is working overtime, and unfortunately it has access to your romantic life. Before turning one interaction into a six-season love story, wait for a second date. Dream big, just maybe not that big.