Or why Gen Z political scandals will be wild.

Many readers of this blog are disappointed, expecting it to be a series of juicy dating details and comedic fail anecdotes. The thought of that kind of blog fills me with dread for multiple reasons I will dive into.

 Instead, I went with topical posts because I struggle to ignore all the random ideas popping around my head.

I dread sharing details not only due to my Irish Catholic “bury your feelings” mindset but also because I am a devout adherent to the virtue of digital modesty. In fact, I could be accused of being so digitally modest that I engaged in digital non-existence. Before this blog, I had hardly a post on social media in a decade.

There is an obvious fear-based reason to limit your digital presence that every parent, teacher, and principal tries to drill into youngsters. That every text, post, and picture can be used against you in the court of public opinion for the rest of your life with no statute of limitations. It could prevent you from getting a job in the future or be used to embarrass you.

I am quite amused at the thought of a 50-year-old Connor running for president and having to answer for all the silly things I write in this blog in a televised debate. My brain would have to be traumatically addled to make a decision that stupid. 

Most people ignore this reason because the future is far away, and we have weak moments where we are stupid and offensive… just part of being human. But, the internet can be a mean and unforgiving place. 

Attacking and insulting someone from behind a keyboard is as easy as a few clicks. Attacking and insulting someone to their face comes not only with a worry about getting your butt kicked but also with the guilt of seeing the pain you may cause them in their facial expression.

The more wholesome reason to be digitally modest is that the larger your digital footprint, the less able you are to be present with others.

If this blog were to divulge full accounts from my first dates, I would probably spend most of the time on those dates thinking about what should go into the next post. I’d secretly and quickly scribble notes for the blog as my date went into the restroom. That can hardly be a successful strategy for starting a relationship founded on trust, vulnerability, and presence.

I imagine this principle applies to most of our digital presence. If seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time is interrupted by the thought of posting a picture of it on social media, you may have missed the moment of wonder that many experience when they first lay their eyes on it—or having ‘Like Anxiety’ after posting it. Dwelling on how many people liked your post, instead of the sky full of stars above.

The blog has come up on a few dates. Most girls are fascinated and want to read it. One girl wanted me to write her into the blog. I told her I would anonymize her name by spelling it backward. She agreed. Unfortunately, her name is ‘Hannah.’

In all seriousness, I like writing things a future significant other would laugh at, not be horrified by.

Life Update: Austin has been cool, but very chilly. There are comedy clubs everywhere. Last weekend, I was doing some writing in what I thought was a coffee shop only for someone to put up a sign for an Improv Jam. It was a fun spontaneous couple of hours.

After weathering the cold front in Austin, I took a day trip to San Antonio yesterday. And yes, I remembered the Alamo.

Also, the River Walk is stunningly beautiful. I highly recommend.