Patio Two - For What It's Worth

Jess and I started talking via an app about a month ago, but I kept the texting to a minimum. I’ve been busy putting my time into people I know in real life. I think “in real life” is such a funny phrase, so many people build relationships outside of “real life.” It makes you wonder what “real” even means these days.

The Patio

She chose Replay in Andersonville. I’m a fan of that neighborhood, so I was excited to check out the patio. Our server was super friendly, a genuinely nice guy who, as it turned out, was a big fan of Pogo. I ordered a Fruit Ninja mule. The best part? The garnish. The drink itself tasted like juice, so I’m guessing it was a light pour. Jess went with a pilsner classic and straightforward. The patio itself was inviting, lots of picnic tables, flowers blooming here and there, and a nice shaded area. Meanwhile, Pogo was living her best life with a big bowl of water nearby, happily soaking up the sun.

On Paper

Jess mentioned the Enneagram in her profile, so naturally, I was eager to share that I am an Enneagram 7. She struck me as someone full of ambition, a former real estate agent and furniture store owner, now working in tech. But she’s not stopping there, she’s currently in grad school to become a teacher. That mix of brains and heart? Definitely my kind of person. She loves all things nerdy and people who have a real passion for something. Honestly, this felt like a pretty promising start. Jess is a twin and has a set of twins. Combine that with both of my parents being twins, and suddenly I’m feeling “singled out” pun absolutely intended.

On the Patio

Jess was nice, but there wasn’t a vibe. We chatted for 90 minutes, and despite all the shared interests, the chemistry (friendship requires chemistry too) just wasn’t there. It was one of those moments where you realize connection isn’t just about matching hobbies or personalities; it’s something else something less tangible.

Meeting strangers to find connection has been an interesting experiment. I’m saying yes to people I might never have met otherwise, and I love learning about the science behind friendship. So, what did I take away from today? You just never know how you’ll vibe with someone until you meet. Is it worth showing up? Absolutely. Sure, the drink was a bit weak, but the sun was shining, and Pogo thoroughly enjoyed the day. Plus, I discovered a pie place called "First Slice".

(continues)

On Second Thought

Not every patio turns into a connection, and that’s okay. Scientists call it “neural coupling” when brains sync up in conversation, but sometimes wavelengths just don’t match and that’s part of the process. This project isn’t about guaranteeing 13 amazing connections. It’s about choosing to show up again and again, trusting that eventually, your people will be sitting across from you at the table. Every person I meet teaches me something about them, about me, and about what I’m really looking for. So yeah, Patio 2 wasn’t a connection I want to pursue, but I enjoyed the sunshine!