Perfect Matches

Cute couples. They're everywhere. And boy, do people like to talk about them. Unfortunately, there's a certain phrase that really bugs me. It goes like this:

"Aren't they the perfect couple!"

(Better hold on to your Mexican jumping beans)

Perfect implies completeness and wholeness. Without faults. In my mind, it's like two granite blocks fitting together without mortar. Like the ancient pyramids. Yes, the Egyptians were Perfection Personified (rogue frogs and bearded, staff-wielding dudes aside).

This is what flows through my mind when well-meaning people start jawing about the perfect couple:

Sappy, right? Wouldn't I like to get a load of their reality field. Perfect, smooth granite blocks indeed. (Brown granite at that. Think on that one for awhile.)

No, dear friends, most "perfect" couples are more like this:

You've heard it said that friendships are hard work. But they don't hold a candle to romantic relationships. Put aside that 100 grit sandpaper. That's not the tool you're looking for.

Try dynamite.

...or prayer. Tons and tons of TNT-loaded prayer.

I think I've been hardwired to think that once you find the person of your dreams, the rest is ooshy gooshy happiness and canned unicorn meat. You know the hardship is out there... somewhere... but it's like a mirage in the desert. It never seems to get any closer.

Then you hit day #2, and realize the unicorn meat is closer to cat food. And believe me, it takes one heck of a good gourmet chef to make it work. It can. Think sushi or wasabi; it's not a natural "love at first sight" experience (and maybe never).

Couples of unusual perfectness? I don't believe they exist.

Until next time,
- Daniel

Yes, I Found Her

I am courting.

No, that was not a typo.

(Besides, 'I am mourning' doesn't make any sense. What do you think I am? Emo?)

Just do it. Face the music and interpret that sentence at face value.

Improbable as the sentence 'I [Daniel] am courting' may be, it is true. I have found someone who I like very much and can't get off my mind.

Not to wax long, because such waxing tends to bore those not involved, but it was important I write this for two reasons:

First, a public announcement of courtship indicates the seriousness of the commitment. (i.e. I am trying to determine whether this woman is right for me, and she whether I am right for her.)

Second, it staves off embarrassing situations by making known who is interested in whom. This is mainly important for the lady involved, though it is not unheard of for the man to be on the receiving end of a proposal. (Yes, I know this first-hand. No, I am not going to elaborate on the subject.)

Now, as tempting as it may be to start quoting Timon and Pumbaa, fear not. I am not doomed. In fact, it could be that this courtship will be a very positive thing.

No, seriously. Despite my protests to the contrary, courtship can be a very good way to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Yes, I know I've made Josh Harris wisecracks in the past. I promise to find a way to make peace with the man.

In the meantime, stay tuned...

Oh, you want her name? Julia Horton.

Until next time,
- Daniel