Today on Valentine’s Day, instead of pathetically stalking that really hot person on Facebook that you don’t have the courage to talk to, profess your undying love and you could very well be making out with them by tonight!
Many gooey, popular romantic films generally have the following plot: Two unsuspecting people, friends or strangers, seemingly have this sudden moment of unobstructed, fiery and illogical passion. One sweeps the other off his or her feet, and the future is far from sight; just hormones and that thing called love.
That many of these situations are unexpected is even more exciting. Getting swept off of your feet and being insanely infatuated – who doesn’t want that?
The truth is, some of those smooch films aren’t too far off. In an admittedly unscientific poll I recently conducted, 5 out of the 10 UA students I talked to have experienced these unexpected passionate moments. They were spontaneous and as steamy as any of those movie scenes – and all of them involved the very real fact that one person had to take a risk.
But no one seems willing to take a risk on Valentine’s Day. Today is the pinnacle of many distressed singles’ complaining that they are alone, for various excuses such as “”no one will ever accept my for my webbed feet,”” etc. They are typically in love with so-and-so but never have the guts to do anything about it because they are scared to take the risk of being rejected.
While fear of rejection is a powerful deterrent, regret for never knowing if someone could have been yours is harder to let go. Instead of waiting for that passionate moment to happen to you, try something different: Stop whining, take some well-needed initiative and sweep them off their feet.
Such boldness may avert what happens when such emotions are kept corked.
We all know the legend of those people who stay single for too long. They were innocently studying with that odd and stinky individual from class. Yet frustration was so high that instead of exploring game theory, they explored each other in a heated game of tonsil hockey. Subsequently, they were busted in the “”third-story fishbowl”” (that glass-encased room in the Main Library) and were never able to live down the reputation of being the one that made out with the “”stinky”” guy/girl.
The reality of what may come from such ecstacy was not even a fleeting thought during that act of desperation. So prevent yourself from ever having to ask, “”How am I going to avoid eye contact and evade this person for the rest of the semester – or even my life?””
Avoid such an explosive moment by confronting that special someone you would love to consistently play doctor with in that third-story fishbowl. Even if you think the other person is out of your league, just try asking them out.
A recent article from The Economist stated that both sexes think sexual competition is stronger than it really is. Basically, people don’t realize how good-looking they are and tend to aim lower than they can get (as far as possible romantic partners are concerned).
Last week political science junior James Pennington-McQueen decided to experiment with such notions. UA swimmer and psychology freshman Tyler Svendsen, a fine specimen of manhood, was spotted by James and some friends. In a moment of pure maturity, James and his friends snuck a peak at Tyler’s nametag and proceeded to yell his name as he walked away.
Unfortunately, they turned around a second too late and were busted. After they yelled his name a second time and ran from the food court, Tyler was left with James’ phone number.
It was a bold move, which needless to say, has been worth it because they are now on the brink of a passionate love affair.
Chances are, if you are between the ages of 18 and 30, this is the hottest you are ever going to look. Love and celebrate yourself. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself because you don’t have … whatever, go for it. Ask him out. Tell her she is gorgeous. Tell him he’s hot. “”Carpe diem”” epitomized! Consider what little pride you have to lose. The fact is, we are all young only once.
Comfort yourself in knowing that even the most confident and outgoing people get nervous when letting someone else know they are interested. It’s risky: What if they reject me? What if I’m too short or flabby? But just remember that everyone has insecurities.
Take a risk this Valentine’s Day and go for it. It’s about time that with all this war and tragedy in the world, we dive into the stuff that makes life worth living – spontaneous and spicy love.
Lila Burgos is an international studies junior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
