Valentine's Day is over and we do not have to worry about it for another 364 days, or do we?
As in previous years, I've promised myself that next year will be different. I have an entire year to find someone for that enigma of a romantic and lonely day. More often than not, I fail to keep my promise, and I end up spending Valentine's Day alone, watching "Charlie Brown's Valentine's Day Special" and my favorite episode of "The Simpsons," where Lisa gives Ralph a Valentine that says "you cho-cho-choose me" because she felt sorry for him, and eventually she breaks his heart in a Krusty the Clown Special. Well, we all have our sad tales of Valentine's Day we would like to forget, but instead of dwelling on the past, maybe next time I'll keep my promise. Thus, for all of you who make similar promises, I will attempt to provide a way we might be able to find someone special. Even it is just for Feb. 14, 2006.
The primary problem for most people, including myself, is finding an outlet to meet that certain someone we would be interested in dating. Dr. Larry David Smith, famous author and COMM 240 professor, said that he wonders how people meet on campus since most are talking on their cell phones. And I concur. It's difficult to go up to people when their ring-tones of Fur Elise are going off every few minutes. Finding love on the BSU Shuttle seems to be a long shot at best. Still, I am sure many of you are like myself and do not feel comfortable meeting people in bars.
So what do we do? Well, we could attempt to overcome our social anxiety issues and walk up to that beautiful female quietly reading by "Frog Baby," or we could go up to that intriguing guy with a nice smile, who is drinking alone at the Bird. We could even try to talk to that person who catches our eyes while we wait (sometimes) patiently for the shuttle. But, if you are anything like me, that's probably not going to happen. So, again, what do we do?
How about finding someone through the Internet? There are dozens -- if not hundreds -- of different dating Web sites that attempt to connect people by their particular interests. These sites typically have information on their members including a picture, some of their interests and what they may be looking for. Therefore, you do not have to walk up to that brunette, whose beauty is so intimidating that you cannot think of anything to say. The Web site's profile of her will provide you a lead-in to begin a conversation, whether through e-mail or instant messaging.
The Facebook seems to be an excellent resource for meeting people, whether it is for romantic purposes or simply seeking new friends. People have the option to provide pictures, rather detailed descriptions of their interests and multiple ways to contact them. Plus, people can list what classes they are taking and even join groups they may have an interest in. The Facebook also provides connections so people can see whether they may have friends or an acquaintances in common who might assist in helping them meet that someone special. The Facebook is just one of many online forums, but it seems to be the hot thing on campus as of late.
I understand that a social stigma remains for online dating. I am sure at least a couple of your friends may think you are lame for trying it. Well, I for one would rather be lame and spend a Valentine's evening with someone special, rather than with my usual pathetic routine of cartoons. If any of you have success stories with online dating, feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear them. For the rest of us, maybe next year will be different; maybe that special someone is simply an instant message away.
Write to Donny at djpeters@bsu.edu
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