Day 2: Chivalry is Dead

So I’ve made it through my first week of the new semester. My classes are pretty great and cheer seems to be going alright (I only cried during practice once!). The only issue I seem to be having, or at least the only issue I’ve been focusing on, is guys.

Maybe it’s just because I’ve been single for a while, maybe it’s being back with lots of people my own age, but I really am harping on it. It’s probably because there’s already been so much drama. My roommate broke up with her boyfriend, a bunch of my friends are “talking” to different guys, a bunch of guys are being total jerks. And I’m just here in my living room watching Letters to Juliet.

I think my expectations are just far too high for guys my age. More than anything, I would like a guy to take an interest in me and ask me on a date. But no. Nowadays, the most you can hope for is a guy to ask for your number so that you two can be “talking” until he decides all he really wants to do is hook up with you which makes you uncomfortable so he moves on. Such is “hookup culture” these days, and I have to say, I really hate it. Hookup culture is such a joke to me! There is no way I believe that any part of that is actually fun. It’s demoralizing and however good you feel during, you end up feeling 50x worse after. Hookup culture has turned dating and romance into a complete joke. It seems as if there’s no one left who would drive their own car to pick you up for dinner and a movie and then drop you off at the end of the night with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to see you soon.

The art of romance died out long ago but I don’t think a revival is too much to hope for.

Sincerely,

Mare

Day 53: Me, Myself and I

Today, I only worked a half day, mercifully. So I figured it would be a lovely idea to treat myself to lunch and a movie. Now, I know most people feel highly uncomfortable attending a movie by themselves but I have to say, having done it a few times now, I love it.

I believe that it is highly important for people to spend time alone. Introvert that I am, I may be a little biased but it’s a very satisfying time. You get the chance to recharge and relax. You don’t have to worry about scheduling because it’s your own time. You don’t need to worry about what you look like because who are you trying to impress? You can go or do whatever you want because yours is the only opinion that matters.

It also gives you the chance to get to know yourself a little better. I often find that the people who are most insecure are ones who don’t know themselves very well. They never take the time to explore those random thoughts that run across their mind. They never delve into the emotions that pop up at the oddest times. If I go too long without reestablishing my self image, I start to lose confidence in myself and my decisions. I question everything and life generally seems much more difficult, which is why I find alone time so cathartic.

Even if you don’t want to do it quite so publicly as I’ve done today, it’s a good idea to spend a few hours every week just on your own. You’d be surprised what good company you are.

Sincerely,

Mare