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I went on a second date in a graveyard, and it was weird in the best possible way

Oct 2, 2023, 21:53 IST
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Graves at the Necropolis in Glasgow, Scotland.Getty Images
  • One of my most memorable dates took place in a graveyard.
  • It was slightly awkward, but helped me tap into my creativity when planning future dates.
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I met my partner, Scott, through a dating app in the fall of 2020, but dating wasn't a priority at the time.

We were in the height of the pandemic — like many people, I was cautious about socializing. Most businesses, including bars and restaurants, were closed in our home city, Glasgow.

When restaurants temporarily re-opened in November, I accepted Scott's invitation to lunch for our first date. A week later, businesses closed again due to an increase in infection rates.

As we brainstormed a socially distanced way to meet again a couple of weeks later, Scott suggested we go for a walk around Glasgow Necropolis, a hilltop graveyard with great views of the city's skyline.

Mikhaila and Scott at a pub in Glasgow.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Looking back, I realize that a cemetery date may sound odd. But I didn't think so at the time. After all, the Glasgow Necropolis is a popular visitor attraction and there are even frequent guided walking tours.

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An estimated 50,000 burials have taken place at the necropolis since it was built in the early 1800s, according to its visitor website. I used to go for long walks there with my friends during my university days, and I remember being in awe of how ancient all of the gravestones were.

The date was awkward but memorable

The date was a little awkward, but that was more to do with social distancing than the fact we were surrounded by gravestones.

At one point during the date, Scott's knee brushed against mine as we sat on a bench that overlooked the necropolis. That was probably the most physical contact we had for the entire date, but I didn't mind. It was nice to focus on getting to know one another without the added pressure of the first kiss.

I don't think either of us acknowledged how weird it was that we were in a graveyard. Instead, we made small talk about our lives, and I told Scott that we were definitely compatible because I had checked his horoscope. Truth be told, I didn't even know that I believed in star signs, but I wanted to make him laugh — and I did.

Whenever I tell people about our second date, they often raise their eyebrows in disbelief. But I feel lucky that we had a distinct location — something that likely wouldn't have happened if we weren't social distancing.

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See? It's beautiful.Getty Images

The pandemic forced us to be creative, and as our relationship grew, that mindset helped with planning future dates. Later, when we became official, we'd often take turns at planning themed date nights at home. One time, Scott planned a beach-themed date night which involved an inflatable palm tree and cocktails. Another time, I planned an "around the world" date night with food from various countries.

Now we've been together for almost three years and we share an apartment in the city. Sometimes, it's easy to be lazy when planning dates, especially when we're both busy with work and other social commitments.

But whenever I feel that I am lacking inspiration, I remember the graveyard. It taught me that the most memorable dates are often weird. It just takes stepping outside your usual routine.

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