Thursday, May 25, 2006

rules of engagement

i was somewhat surprised to read in the latest wlu '03 newsletter how many people are engaged or married. not that there's anything wrong with settling down, but this is not a group of students that go to college to find a mate. this is a group of students that prioritize success and career and learning over a "mrs" degree. i don't know how they have time to date, much less fall in love and get married!

my first reaction to the newsletter was panic. did i miss the boat? am i going about life the wrong way? was it a mistake to take a year sabbatical from dating? to live the double life of a full time professional and full time student?

but then i went to this event last night with some girl friends. we were volunteers. and since i was working at the registration table, i met just about everyone that walked through the door. now this was a wine and dine silent auction chill but swanky gathering. after interacting with a few folks, i was reminded of why i've chosen to be single thus far.

i decided to make a list of do's and don'ts. some may be specific to me, but my guess is most of these are universal. read and learn. (though if you're my friend then you probably don't need to learn this in the first place... and if you're not my friend, why are you reading my blog?)

don't ask me out if you're in your 40's, 50's, etc. not that i have anything against people of this era... my mom is in her 40's and my dad in his 50's. both great people.

don't try to impress me with your boat. i work in annapolis. i have lots of friends with boats. writing, "for a good sail call..." on a slip of paper is not cool.

do make friends with my friends. that spice girls song is my mantra.

do be prepared for lots of church. don't think i'm saying that to be cute.

don't ask for my number. huh uh. no.

do practice what some would call southern hospitality, though i think it's really common courtesy.

don't be high maintenance.

do know your baseball.

do be courageous.

don't make fun of mexicans or gay people.

do be loyal to your family and friends. cheaters need not apply.

do realize that if i make you feel special, it's because you are special. don't think that means i want to date you.

ahhh, yes. as i read through these i'm convinced it'll be a while before i do that whole dating thing. so congratulations my dear (soon to be or already) married classmates. i wish you all the joy and love in the world. one day maybe i'll stumble upon a relationship that's as blessed and special as what you've found. i'll leave that to God. in the mean time, i feel blessed and special just the way i am.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the juxtaposition:
"do practice what some would call southern hospitality, though i think it's really common courtesy.

don't be high maintenance."

lauren said...

silly eric. using lots of "product" is high maintenance. COMMON courtesy is not. it's common. or ought to be.

Anonymous said...

Word, sista.

Keep on truckin.

Anonymous said...

1) I love this blog

2) I am so excited to finally write a comment

3) Remember saying at the beginning, "Do you think my future husband is in the room" I will have to go with no. But I totally agree with you, its encounters such as those wednesday night that make me understand why I am single. Were you aware that sailboat guy also bid on a purse made with a New York license plate, clearly didn't win, but used it as an excuse to come up to the table and stand there for an unreasonable amount of time, given the crushing line of auction-winners behind him.

I guess someone with your above attributes will come along when you aren't even looking. Just hopefully before we are 40. Okay 30. Let's just stick with 'At the right time.'

Anonymous said...

me again. I stole this from one of my favoritist little KD freshman (soph now).

"Eventually, all the pieces will fall in to place, until then live for the moment, laugh at the confusion, and know that everything happens for a reason"

Anonymous said...

GEE WHIZ! if i wasn't 59 i'd put you no. 1 on my speed dial.

uncle l

lauren said...

whatever megan. when i'm 40 you'll be what... 26? haha. uncle l, you're eternally in your 30's in my mind. putting together smurf tricycles.

M said...

Feel free to give my number out to all those people trying to impress with their boats.

lauren said...

Haha... from now on, whenever a guy asks for my number, I'll just give him YOURS! I'm not kidding.