Our Annual Shot Date: A Love Story That Sticks
Rekindling Romance How Our Yearly Vaccine Ritual Became the Perfectly Creative Date After 25 Years Together
After 25 years together, my husband and I started a yearly vaccine ritual for creative dates.
Image: Woman getting a vaccine
For the past 15 years, my pharmacist husband and I have had an annual date. Now, before you imagine a candlelit dinner or a romantic walk on the beach, let me clarify: this particular date involves needles. That’s right, flu shots to be precise. And believe it or not, it’s a tradition we both eagerly anticipate.
You might be wondering, why on earth would we look forward to getting pricked? Well, let me tell you, fall can get pretty hectic for my pill-pushing partner. As the flu season hits full swing, his workload explodes like a confetti of vaccination requests. This year, the craziness is even more intense with the rush for COVID-19 boosters. It’s enough to make an eternity feel like a fleeting moment. And after an exhausting 11-hour shift, topped with a tiresome commute, I’m lucky if I get more than a word or two out of him.
But fear not! Our annual shot date comes to the rescue. Instead of chasing quality time amidst the chaos, I march straight to his pharmacy, roll up my sleeve, and become his willing pincushion. You see, it’s not just about getting the seasonal healthcare I need; it’s about stealing a few precious minutes where we can just be ourselves. No responsibilities, no distractions, and definitely no customers to interrupt our conversation.
Now, you might think this is a bizarre arrangement, but I assure you, it’s not without its fair share of comedic moments. Picture this: a kiss delivered with gratitude to the pharmacist after an inoculation session, right in front of a queue of eager vaccine-seekers. The reactions and chuckles we receive are simply priceless. I even recall receiving a sly wink from an older lady in line, as if she had a saucy story to tell about her upcoming jab.
To add a cherry on top, our annual shot date has become a reminder for others to prioritize their health as well. Whenever I post a selfie of us holding our vaccine cards, friends and family inevitably chime in, sharing their own vaccination stories or planning their own appointments. It’s a subtle public service announcement disguised as a heartwarming couple’s photo.
We’ve been together for 25 years, celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary just a few months ago. Life evolves and circumstances change, but finding inventive ways to bond remains a constant. This peculiar tradition provides a glimpse of surprise and familiarity, injecting humor into the mundane. And let’s not forget the endless array of witty innuendos I have at my disposal when people ask if I’ve received my flu shot yet – puns and quips about my husband’s expert poking skills never get old.
This year, I have an extra reason to cherish our shot date. Not only will I be getting my flu shot, but also a COVID-19 booster. Two appointments, double the fun. It’s another chance to spend a little extra time with my husband – a moment where he gently pokes me for the sake of my health.
So, here’s to our annual shot date, a love story that sticks. It may not be your typical date night, but it’s a tradition that keeps our connection strong amidst the chaos of life. And who could ask for anything more?
Have you ever had an unconventional date like ours? Share your unique stories in the comments below!
