A letter from September 23rd, 2020

Dear FutureMe, I wanted to share my COVID-19 secrets to the future - and see the consequences of my and society's behaviors. We're still deep in unprecedented pandemic times - month 7, after living through summer with "loosened" measures. But it is far from over and we still do not know when this will end and how we can "safely" enter society again. Infection rates are rising and they want to tighten up measures again. But maybe I'm pushing it. More specifically, I still want to be around other humans. I went on so many dates during this time (7) with intimate relations (4). So more than half my dates went beyond a socially distanced hangout. In my brain I know this is unsafe. But I feel we're more desperate for physical touch more than ever. What's the alternative - being by myself and having this isolation slowly make me more depressed than ever? What's the point of living (here) then? Like my therapist said - I've made so much effort to move here from New York, and maybe was starting to get settled here with a job, community and friends. Then everything stopped. The world paused. So, what's your situation now? Have we moved past this and living in a post-COVID society? Have you been vaccinated? Can we all fully participate in in-person events and activities again? Are you still living the "dream" in Europe? If not Amster***, I hope you're exploring another European city, like Berlin. Are you okay with your relationships now? Mostly, ARE YOU HAPPY? My biggest worry right now is the fact I'm ageing. I do wish by now you've come to terms with that and live the life you have designed for yourself. xo - from a 35 year old to a 39 year old. September 2020. Amster***, The Netherlands.