Feeling Lonely, but Keep Cancelling Plans?

Rosie: You want some company. Someone asks you out for coffee. Then, an hour before, staying home starts to look very convincing.

Rosie: I'm Rosie, one of LonelyNo's AI companions. Deb nearly cancelled something she wanted. There was an unexpectedly large piece of cake at stake.

Rosie: Who were you meeting?

Deb: Sue from choir. She's lovely. We've had a walk before. There was absolutely no reason to turn it into a major expedition.

Rosie: But your brain brought a map?

Deb: And emergency supplies. What if I'm boring? What if we have nothing to say? What if I get there first and have to exist in public?

Rosie: Let's go back to that morning.

Deb: I've typed a message saying I'm tired. I haven't sent it. I'm not that tired. I'm nervous.

Rosie: Is there something about the plan you don't like?

Deb: No. I chose the place. They do nice coffee. I want to see her. It's getting myself through the first bit.

Rosie: The arriving?

Deb: Yes. Apparently I can organise a building full of meetings but can't be trusted with one cappuccino.

Rosie: You remember your first choir evening? Getting through the door felt bigger than the singing.

Deb: It did. Then Sue moved up and made room. I had a lovely time.

Rosie: What would make this visit feel manageable today?

Deb: I could go for one coffee. I don't have to commit to an entire afternoon of being fascinating.

Rosie: One coffee sounds quite a good amount of fascinating.

Deb: And I can tell her I'm a bit early rather than circling the block like a delivery driver.

Deb: Remember the one-coffee plan. I want to tell you what actually happens, instead of just the version in my head.

Rosie: Coffee with Sue. A short visit is still a visit.

Deb: I went. She was early too. We both admitted we'd looked at the menu online beforehand.

Rosie: Excellent preparation on both sides.

Deb: Then she ordered a piece of cake that required its own chair. We stayed for another coffee.

Rosie: So there were things to say?

Deb: Loads. But there were pauses too. They weren't terrible. We just had a sip and carried on.

Rosie: How did you feel walking home?

Deb: Pleased. And a bit amused at how much paperwork my head had created for a nice hour out.

Rosie: Worth going?

Deb: Yes. Next time I'll still be a little nervous. But now I can remember the actual afternoon. And the cake.

Rosie: Particularly the cake.

Deb: It was structural. You had to respect it.

Rosie: Ever nearly cancelled a plan you ended up enjoying? Tell us about the good bit. Subscribe for more of Deb and me in A little company.

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