It started innocently enough. Should we grab drinks sometime? Marco typed into the group chat. It was Tuesday. We're three weeks in now.

The Location Wars

First, we need a place. Sounds simple. It's not simple.

Marco suggests a bar in the East side. Dennis thinks the East side is so 2019. Bas wants brunch, but somewhere with decent matcha. Erik sends a link to a new rooftop bar. The rooftop is fully booked until October.

I suggest our regular café. No one responds. They all respond about the matcha.

The Date Dance

After four days, we've got a location. Now for the date.

Saturday doesn't work for Dennis—he has a date. Sunday doesn't work for Bas—brunch with colleagues. Friday, Marco has pilates. Erik has blocked off me-time.

Me-time. Actually scheduled. Between two other appointments.

Eventually we land on a Thursday, two weeks out. Everyone sends thumbs up. Dennis sends three. Why three, Dennis.

The Outfit Check

The day arrives. By four o'clock, the real app action begins.

What are we wearing? Bas asks. This isn't an innocent question. This is a strategic operation.

Marco sends a mirror selfie. Dennis asks if his shirt is too much. Erik sends a photo of two pairs of pants side by side. I'm sitting in sweatpants and pretending I don't see any of this.

Bas eventually settles on a linen set. In October. Bas will complain it's cold. We all know this.

The Arrival

Meeting at eight o'clock. I show up at five past, because I'm Dutch.

Marco arrives at quarter past. Erik at half eight. At nine, Bas texts that he's almost here. Almost means: still in the shower.

Dennis doesn't show. Dennis forgot. Dennis sends a heart emoji and says definitely next time.

The Night Itself

Once we're finally seated, it's lovely. We order wine. We gossip. We laugh too hard at things that aren't funny.

Someone suggests moving to another place. The location war starts all over again. This time live, at the table.

We just stay where we are.

The Aftermath

The next morning: messages in the group. That was so fun! We should do this more often! Same thing next month?

Everyone responds enthusiastically. Dennis sends four thumbs up this time.

We all know what's coming. Three weeks of negotiating. Bas complaining about the cold. Dennis forgetting.

And yet. I wouldn't miss it for the world.