Get creative when it comes to COVID nuptials

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/10/2020 (2144 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My new boyfriend and I — both in our mid-20s — took a chance and moved in together because we were seriously crazy about each other, after just two months. We wanted to be together, night and day, and COVID had just arrived, so that pushed the idea of moving into my place.

It was a do-or-die thing, as we were talking crazy already, like how many babies did we want? We knew it was too early, but we also couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing each other all the time.

The deal was this: We’d break up amicably if we found out we couldn’t live together. Like that would be easy!

So he moved into my place, and sublet his place for six months. Now the guy who sublet it says he wants to stay on at my boyfriend’s place.

I know this is crazy, but both of us really want to get married right now! It’s not just another romance; it’s The One and it should be honoured, we both feel. It’s not a “COVID shack-up” — a term I just heard, to my horror.

Don’t try to tell us to wait until everybody is vaccinated and COVID is over. Just tell us how to handle our parents, please. — Getting Married Soon, Downtown Winnipeg

Dear Getting Married: How about splitting the event? If you want zero family attendance now because you don’t want to take any health chances with your moms, dads and siblings, explain that to them and promise an inclusive party later.

You could have a private wedding at home with both of you and the wedding officiant wearing masks, or maybe you’ll decide on a quick wedding at city hall. Call 311 or see the city’s website for information on that.

If you don’t want a reception at all, you could get married and make a video. Have the two families get together online from different houses, or even do it just with the parents or you two lovebirds alone.

Your parents probably wouldn’t like that last idea much! But your parents might be happy to stay home if you promise a big family reception later — and they can organize it.

If readers have additional ideas, please send them my way.

 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My old man and I live just outside the city. He’s in his mid 60s — a first-generation hippie — and I am in my early 50s —  a second-generation hippie. I had my kids in my early 20s and they’re up and away now.

The trouble is, now they’re gone there’s nothing in common to talk about, and the only thing left between us is great sex. Not that sex isn’t a wonderful thing — lots of couples our age don’t have it anymore.

At my insistence, we tried to have a talk about other things. I expressed my worry about what’s become of us and we couldn’t think of much to discuss.

We had only his grown kids and grandkids, and my growing kids to discuss. The political discussion was a bust. Then we talked motorcycles for a bit.

I certainly won’t leave my man, and I’d never want to give up the great sex, but it’s pretty quiet and boring out here in the boonies. In the summer, we love driving up to the lakes and renting cottages — but that’s over.

What do you suggest? We both work and have money saved, plus COVID means we can’t travel, do much shopping or go to concerts. There’s nothing much to spend it on. — Boring Each Other Stiff, Winnipeg Outskirts

Dear Boring: You have money to spend, so half the battle is won already. How about designing and building a little cottage together, or renovating a built one and putting on a garage for your motorcycles and truck?

A mutual project makes for lots of conversation, especially if there’s some creativity involved. Can you swing a hammer and actually get in there and help?

Second project: If you both have a love for animals, add some new fur babies to the family to help fill the void left by the grown-up kids. There’s lots to talk about there as new “parents,” and you live outside of the city, so it’s great excuse for beautiful walks and fur-baby photography.

 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m 17. A lot of people I know don’t like wearing masks because they’re hot and uncomfortable. What really ticks me off is I wear a mask to protect others from ME, and they don’t want to wear a mask to protect me from them.

I’ve gotten into arguments with people who won’t wear their masks when they darn well have one, as it’s dangling from one ear.

It’s bad enough when those people are strangers or acquaintances, but it’s really tough when they are close friends and my cousins.

How can I assure myself I’m going to be OK when I meet with a friend? — Not Fair! Winnipeg

Dear Fair: Keeping the number down to one or two friends allows you to have a frank discussion without lots of other people chiming in.

If a friend doesn’t bring a mask, make sure you bring a few extra new ones in your pocket and just hand them to the maskless person, saying “Please wear this for me, as my friend.” What can he or she say then?

And, always carry a little bottle of hand sanitizer and some gloves, as that’s also important. Good luck, and hold that line!

 

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.