I Might Be Having an Affair

The other day, I got an email from a brand inviting me to an event in Manila. Of course, I absolutely, unequivocally said YES.

And that would mean I'll be packing my bags, and I'll disappear for a few days for a blogging event for the fifth time this year.

At this point, with me having all these out-of-town trips without the husband, it already feels like I'm having an affair. Yes, the further I get into blogging, the more convinced I am that it's suspiciously similar to having an affair.

Here are 10 telltale signs that would give anyone, especially the husband, a reason to raise an eyebrow:

1. You always find a reason to leave the house.

What am I supposed to do when I get invited to events?

Latest out-of-town getaway for a blogging event. Captured by Davao Geek Hub.

2. You have new clothes and make yourself beautiful... but not for a date night.

I can't remember the last time I bought a dress just because my husband and I were going out. But apparently, some blogging events have a specific theme and a dress code, and I have to dress up and look my best for it.

3. You spend more time on your phone or the laptop than with your husband.

Well, the husband has to learn that when a deadline is involved, he comes second to a blinking cursor.

4. You have secrets on your phone/computer.

My husband knows there are two things he shouldn't do: 1.) look over my shoulder while I'm writing;  2.) read my drafts.

He can read or watch my content when it's published. Until then, all those awkward sentences, terrible transitions, and half-baked ideas stay between me and my phone/computer.

5. You sneak out and stay up late.

I lost count on the number of times I've slowly untangled myself from my husband's arms in the middle of the night just to sneak out of bed unnoticed and revel in that orgasmic feeling of finally finishing a draft.

6. You smile or your face lights up while reading something on your phone.

Maybe there's a new invite. Or a paid campaign. Or a nice comment from a follower. Or the metrics magically went up. The possibilities are endless.

Latest campaign I did. Woot! Got extra phone for my "affairs". Haha!

7. You have dinner at the fanciest restaurants but not with your husband.

One week it's steak. The next it's a seven-course tasting menu. Meanwhile, my poor husband is at home contemplating whether last night's leftovers are still safe to eat.

Do I feel guilty about it? Maybe a little. But who in their right mind would say no to a FREE fancy meal? Certainly not this blogger.

8. You give out your number, then exchange texts/emails with people you just met.

"Thanks for having me, Sir/Miss ____. It was nice meeting you and I really had a good time".

Yep, I'm building relationships with PR agencies.

Email me, maybe?

9. You come home with gifts.

Which are mostly customized and exclusive things the husband could never get me.

Latest event haul. Kung alam nyo lang paano ko pinaglaban to. 😁 Now I want that Pau-pau stuffie. Beke nemen foodpanda?

10. You receive surprise deliveries.

And some of those PR kits look so fancy!

Latest blogger mail I got from the brand I previously worked with. Thank you!

Well, blogging has taken me to places I never imagined, introduced me to incredible people, and opened doors I never knew existed.

Thankfully, Jan, my husband has been there through it all. He has patiently put up with the late nights, the endless shoots as my personal photo/videographer, and has always been my biggest supporter and number one fan. Whenever blogging takes me out of town, he steps in as the solo parent, taking care of the kids without complaint while I chase another story, event, or probably even clout.

If anyone deserves credit for this blogging journey, it's the man who has graciously agreed to share me with my "other love."