Dating, what would you do here?

[Hmmwhat]

NC but am regular poster. Moved this from chat as it’s really more covid forum I think!

I just want some views on what to do here. To be honest I’m not even sure what the strict rule is let alone whether people are doing this sort of thing if on their own. I’m late thirties and have been living alone for every lockdown. I’ve dated when we could - ie in summer really. Anyway, met someone in Autumn. We talked a lot for a couple of months. We met shortly afterwards, 4 times all outside, had a great time, spent a good part of the day together with each meet up. He’s now suggested our next meet we watch a film and order some food in. He’s very lucky he’s been vaccinated but I know this doesn’t change much from what I’ve read anyway.

I want to see him and do this as I really like him and think he feels the same. We can’t really progress things much just wandering round parks, roads and fields! I’ve literally not seen anyone indoors for months and the last time I met someone outdoors other than him ie a friend was months ago now. I’ve literally not seen anyone apart from in the supermarket for such a long time as I work from home. I realise this reads like a list of excuses and maybe it is me trying I justify seeing him indoors I’m not sure. Head a bit frazzled.

He’s said we could just be each other’s support bubble and while that is technically true, if I’m honest I’m not definitely definitely sure we will become a couple yet as I haven’t seen him enough! So it seems a bit insincere. Then on the flip side these restrictions aren’t lifting anytime soon and I’m desperately lonely and so unhappy I am still single.

Just wondering what people think is reasonable really.

It sounds like a good idea to me - hats off to you for adhering to the rules for so long.

I'd let him in my 'bubble' but as it's still very new I'd outline a few boundaries so it doesn't get too intense.

@MorningNinja I just feel like it’s a bit fake as if it doesn’t go anywhere I will be back to bubbling with a friend. It just so happens my friend has been unable to meet (severe mental health issues) for nearly two months now. But I would class her as the support bubble if I go off the man...

I don’t know

I'm a little surprised that neither of you has another support bubble, it sounds very lonely. Given you could legally meet inside and you say he's been vaccinated (why? job role presumably?), something other than the guidelines is holding you back. There are risks involved in getting too intense too fast, but is there something almost-not-there that is making you nervous about this man?

I think the bubble sounds like a good idea. You're not taking the piss, because you haven't seen anyone in months. Even if it turns out he isn't the love of your life, you'll (hopefully) still get a lot out of the company. If you've been feeling lonely this is exactly what the support bubbles are for.

As PP says it might be worth setting some limits so it doesn't all move too fast.

You can change support bubbles as long as there are 10 (I think) days between- it's in the official rules. So there's nothing to lose of it doesn't go anywhere and as long as neither of you has another bubble at the time.

I'm still with my new date bubble 7 months on :)

Thanks I didn’t know that. Is there a limit on travel distance?

Not officially - the guidance does say it's best to stay local

I’ve done exactly this. Met a guy in June and did the whole outside dating thing. It became more a friendship and we both have a small child each, so we bubbled.

It’s been about 8 months now and it’s more a FWB situation now.

If you are both genuinely not bubbled then go for it.

My friend has recently done the same, after spending so much time living alone in lockdown. You should definitely just meet up.
There's no max distance for support bubbles either, I'm a 35 min drive away from my DP.