The Anti-Austen

I suppose I should have given more background to the Yom Kippur date.

On my study abroad, I met one of my now dearest friends. We will call her The Dramatic One. Her life is very dramatic. Mostly in a good, distracting, exciting way. The Dramatic One has been IN LOVE with this boy for about three years now. We will call him Skeleton (because I think he kind of looks like one).

We've always wondered what the Skeleton's intentions towards the Dramatic One were. But after a letter fall out just before he came home from his mission, we all figured love would never flourish between the two, unless it was the platonic kind.

Now, enter in new school year. I spend basically all of my time with the Dramatic One. It helps me to take my mind off of Sweater Guy (more to come on that later). In the process, I meet Skeleton and all of his room mates. I absolutely adore them all. They are the perfect guys. PEEEEERRRRRFECT. I would marry them. Individually, and as a whole...Yeah. But the two I really like are in that pre-relationship stage. (BOO!) So, that leaves us with Skeleton who is best friends with my best friend the Dramatic One. Are you still following dear reader?

So Skeleton is texting the Dramatic One. He asks her which of her friend she should ask out. She tells him to ask me because I just broke it off with my boyfriend and I need to be around a really good guy. Hence the Yom Kippur fireside!

It was an ok date. Short and sweet. He topped it off by giving me a mixed cd at the end of the night with some of my favorite bands:

Vampire Weekend

Belle and Sebastian

The Decemberists

Animal Collective

Great way to win my heart right?

So here's the deal. The Dramatic One swears she's ok with the date because she really doesn't think anything will happen between them. So I go. But I'm confused. Because the more I interact with the two, the more I think he really does like her. He has the look. You all know the look right? The look a guy gives a girl when he thinks she's the most amazing person he's ever met. They text allllll the time. When hanging out in a group, his attention is mostly directed at her. That sort of thing.

He told her he thought I hated the date and that saying good bye to me was awkward because my complex is so busy.... Well, here are my thoughts: Something maybe could happen with the Skeleton, but maybe I'm not really ready to date anyone. Even if they do send me hilarious texts wishing me a happy autumnal equinox. Also, I'm not really that interested. And I want to somehow hook it up between Skeleton and the Dramatic One.

I feel like I'm in the middle of a love triangle. Only I'm not really in love with anyone. Skeleton just hasn't realized he's in love yet. And the Dramatic One will never confess her feelings.

What a conundrum.

but about Sweater Guy... did I mention we said goodbye forever? Well, we tried to. Or I tried to. I deleted him from everything. Phone, facebook, the whole deal. It was just better for me that way.

He called on my birthday. He has a present for me. Gah. He still hasn't given it to me yet. We shall see how it goes...

xoxo

-the Romantic

I have a date to the Yom Kippur fireside on Sunday.

And I'm actually excited for it...

I know what you're thinking. A fireside? Really?

But I think Elder Scott was right. A movie is really stupid!

xoxo
-the Romantic

Did anyone else catch the devo this morning?

Apparently we should not wait until we order our cap and gown to look for an eternal mate to build a family with.

Does this mean I should stop my boy fast and move in on my hunky FHE brother with the dreamy eyes?

I would just like everyone to take a moment to also note the irony of President Samuelson's talk: "Appropriate Zeal".

That is all.

xoxo
-the Romantic

My biggest pet peeve of BYU ladies, is their tendency at the beginning of the semester to scope out their the prospects, and then stake their claim.

Like the gold rush days of old, the ladies swoop in like miners, looking for promising criteria. Is he cute? check. engineering major? pre-med? pre-law? check. served his mission somewhere exotic? check.
their future down to the names of their children is planned out in mere minutes. very quickly, sunday evening socials are put into place. invitations are very exclusive. there has to be the perfect balance of males and females. but none of the prospects can meet; for fear of closing herself off to any of them.
i guess i can't be too bothered by this. every girl at BYU does it. however, there is a lovely girl in my ward who always stakes out five different claims. She is on the man prowl. Like a fierce lioness stalking her prey, she has cleverly laid several traps to capture the unsuspecting men in her pearly white chompers. and the weirdest thing is... it works! she had three dates this last week. it's only the first week of school.

sheesh.

xoxo
-the Romantic

I think the hardest part about breaking up with someone is losing your best friend even though they're still around.

Whether we've been together or not, Sweater Guy has been a part of my life for the past 8 months. That is a really long time in Provo years (where two weeks can equal an entire courtship). And now? It's like I have to pretend he's dead or something. Breaking up is just a weird.

Also, I'm not very good at it. It seems that it always takes me 2 or 3 times with these long drawn out conversations that last for hours where tears are shed by both parties. It's so dramatic...
I'm anxious to see what this new school year holds.

But I think it's time for another boy fast. No boyfriends. Just boy friends. I don't have the emotional constitution for dating.

xoxo
-the Romantic

Oh to live the single life again.

It didn't last very long did it?

But instead of being bitter, I know it was the right thing to do. As compatible as Sweater Guy and I are for each other, we work better as friends.

Sunday night was very dramatic and included tears on both our parts. I opted for a break instead of a break up. But I knew it was over and that it is a good thing; even though I didn't care to admit it.

We talked more last night, and ended things officially. Our relationship was getting too serious and both of us were feeling guilty because we both know it won't work out in the end. Which was weird since everything was so great between us.

Yes, it's sad. And I'll still have my mourning period which will include generous portions of ice cream.

But I am good... really truly. Everything will turn out the way it's meant to.

xoxo
-The Romantic

I don't know exactly what it is, but there is something that happens when Zoobie girls reach a certain age.

Suddenly everyone is ready for you to get married and they comment on it all the time.

"So are you dating anyone?" they ask coyly, as if I would keep it a secret...
"No," I reply gruffly.
"Is there anyone you want to date?" (This usually is included with some sort of elbow nudge or a wink.)
"No."
"You know what? I should set you up with so and so. He's so cute. He's friends with my son/nephew/weird cousin. Would you like that?"
"Sure," I say already planning the escape for this blind date.

And eventually your mother picks up on this and starts badgering you as well.

Suddenly it becomes apparent that she had other goals for you than just graduating.

Heaven forbid I graduate without a secondary Mrs. degree. Not all of us double major, you know...

The Virgin

And it was his doing too! I take this as a very good sign.

I'm at EFY yet again. It's been a two week stint. Someone really misses me! hehe.

We have plans to make really awesome t-shirts when i get back on saturday. i have such a good boyfriend.

xoxo
-the Romantic

Yikes!

So Sweater Guy's parents are in town for the holiday weekend. I met them last night. It didn't go horribly wrong. But it didn't go fantastic. I wish I had a more bubbly personality. We'll see how things go today at the extended family bbq later today.... (double yikes!)

I did have this week off from EFY. But I'll be gone for two weeks straight with these next sessions!

It's going to be harder this time.

Last night we went to the Freedom Festival. Somehow I convinced him we should get matching "friendship" bracelets. They are awesome!

Then we danced the night away listening to Swedish pop outside of his car.

And this last week he took me on a surprise date to an Art Museum.

I'm sorely going to miss him.

xoxo
-The Romantic

guess who has a boyfriend??

:0)

xoxo
-The Romantic

This post is cutting into my nap time, but I thought ya'll might want an update.

THERE ARE GORGEOUS COUNSELORS GALORE! I am quite the fan.

And yet, Sweater Guy left me a message this week with the Beach Boys singing, "I wish they all could be California girls"
One guess as to where I'm from. (sigh) it was really cute. I miss him. Lots.

I love EFY.
My girls are amazing. My boys are precious.

Well, I guess it's nap time....

Last dance of the week tonight! WAHOO!

xoxo
-The Romantic

For those of us not staying in Provo during the summer, home can be an awkward place.

The YSA ward consists of two groups where I'm from: the locals, who are nearing thirty, balding, and claiming that their parents' mother in law unit is in fact their "own place", and of course the bug boys, who are flighty, over sexed, and machismo.

(And never mind the boys from my home stake, that's like peeing in the pool, not to mention it feels extremely incestuous.)

And you ask why I choose to go to the family ward and skip out on Sunday school to play with the babies in the foyer?

Kisses,

The Virgin

It appears I'm stuck in the convoluted, ambiguous gray area that comes with "dating" someone, but not dating them exclusively.

Oh Sweater Guy, how you torture me!

Skipping all the boring details, I guess I should just say that we hung out friday night, had a great time palling around.

He said he wants to "court" me, but not have a girlfriend(and yes, those quotes mean he actually used that word). I know it sounds like he's reading me a line, but because of the complexities of the situation, I'm inclined to believe him. BUT I WANT TO BE HIS GIRLFRIEND! baaaaaahhhh!!!! (don't read too much into that last sentence, or the following exclamation. I'm in a very dramatic state of mind this evening)

To make things even more complicated, I just got hired to to work EFY for four weeks.
Goodbye Sweater Guy....
The one consolation is that I won't feel guilty that my COWs will be the counselors anymore.

xoxo
-the Romantic

I forgot to mention!

The most felicitous congratulations to one of my dear fellow ladies-in-writing: The HomeMaker!. Recently engaged, The HomeMaker is done with dating forever! Well, at least with anyone else besides her lucky beau.

We wish them the happiest of marriages!

xoxo
-the Romantic

Moving into my new complex was probably the best decision I've ever made. My life is absolutely wonderful in every aspect. Expect the man department; which is just confusing. Let's recap.

The men in my life:

First there's Sweater Guy (we dated last semester). He doesn't really wear sweaters any more. Which is fine. Since he's just as attractive wearing t-shirts. We text from time to time. Arrangements were made for us to longboarding on Friday, but the thought of being with him alone seemed tortuous. Like pushing a bruise on purpose. So I decided to cancel because it might rain. That and I didn't do anything I might regret, like proclaim how much I like him, and that I we should get married(what? where did that come from?). But, being the glutton for punishment that I am, I hung out with him yesterday. Until 1 in the morning. I thought I was over him for sure.... I guess not. I had the best conversation I've ever had with him last night. Why is it so much easier to talk to him now that we're not dating? If you're thinking it might be a bad idea for me to date him again, you would be right. But I can't help myself in times such as these.

Then there's the Best Friend. My personal Mr. Kinghtley, whom I swore I was in love with in my last post. I should probably go over a little bit of our history. We met in a language class two years ago. We ended up on the same study abroad last fall semester. And we've had a least once class together since my sophomore year. And we're in the same major. So for the past two years, I've seen him more days then I haven't.
the Best Friend has been there for me through a lot. He was there when Mr. Advice Dear Jane'd me whilst on our study abroad. When Sweater Guy dumped me this last semester, he immediately came over and held me while I cried. He brought over sparkling cider when I moved into my new place. He let me borrow his car last week. Today he texted me and asked me what section of TMA 102 I was in so he could try and get in. And then I find we're already taking another class together! Oh, and I'm TAing a class of his this summer term. I cannot escape him even if I wanted to! We should be dating right? Nope. I just found out shortly after the last post he just started to date someone in his ward. Gah! We are ridiculously perfect for each other. My past boyfriends have always been jealous of him. But whenever I've tried to flirt or bring up the topic of us dating, I feel like he totally shuts me down. So, I stopped trying. But we text at least every other day. And the other day, after I told him I owed him a home made desert for letting me borrow his car, he tells me he'd rather go out for shakes or something so we can hang out and talk rather than the alternative. To the guy readers out there: What is the Best Friend's deal? I'm thoroughly confused!!

There's a few guys in my ward that I would date for sure. But no one really sticks out very much. And most of them seem to be interested in my roomie anyway. So nothing here.

So to sum up:
Sweater Guy is insanely attractive, but only interested in me as a longboarding buddy probably.
I have no idea what the Best Friend wants with me. A better grade in his class this summer maybe?
And I'm still single, but hopeful...

Until next time
xoxo
-the Romantic

Most of us dread high council Sunday as it is, but when the topic is dating and marriage, I found myself wanting to bolt for the door!

The guy from our ward spoke wasn't too bad. He made the usual, "I think the bishop gave me this topic because he wants everyone to know I'm single" jokes. (ha... ha...) But I couldn't take him seriously. Why? It's not that he's a bad guy. Or that the talk didn't keep the audience captivated. It was the fact that I think he might be a vampire.

Ok. I know he's not a vampire. But when my roomies were giving me the skinny on everyone in the ward, one of them said she doesn't trust him because he has shifty vampire eyes. Meaning, sometimes his irises are all black, and we think he might thirst for our blood. (Sound familiar?)

So when he took to the pulpit, I just burst into a fit of giggles because he's a vampire! And who takes dating advice from vampires seriously these days. I'm sorry Cullen kid, but I think I'll be wearing turtle necks around you from now on.

Oh, and on a lesser note, I think I might be in love with my best guy friend... or deep like. * sigh* Advice?
xoxo
-The Romantic

Maybe this is my problem. I haven't been recording my dating experiences in this book!

Let's take a look at some of the testimonials.

To sum up in a word “So I went out with this guy last night…” it would be, Enlivening!

In a world where the influence of music, movies, fashion and social acceptance is prevalent, I find this Dating Journal to be a real golden nugget of treasure. I love that every point is ‘food for thought’. The Snapshots are so fun and absolutely give us girls permission for introspection and provides opportunity for clarity of thought.

It’s an enjoyable and stimulating way to help us embrace this stage of life no matter what our age! ‘So I went out with this guy last night…’ assists us in discovering who we are and what we want out of life.

As a parent of dating teenagers and this is a ‘must have’ for my girls. As one who is experiencing the dating world again, this is a ‘must have’ for me too!

- Ingrid Vennik

I so wish I had one of these when I was growing up. I dated so many dolts and some great guys...I just didn't see the difference. A lot of heartache could have been passed by.

- Shanna Kwiatek

That's it, I'm heading to the book store tomorrow and buying one for myself!

Not...

Although, this snapshot does look somewhat familiar to a date I've been on. Only instead of Chinese food, it was the Malt Shoppe. But the texting... yeah, I've been there.

xoxo
-The Romantic

ps. there is a guy in my ward with dreamy eyes who might just have some potential. i'll keep you updated

After a long history of dating boys who turned out to be complete jerks….
I had a friend who decided to set me up with a guy she “knew” (also known as just met him in the library and realized he was a nerd)

I agree reluctantly to go on a date with Gumby (his name is AMAZING… but Gumby will have to do). He rings my doorbell, I answer, Gumby is about 6.3 wearing a top hat and a suit… I’m wearing jeans and flip flops… awkward??? Yes…
Now first dates usually include, dinner or movie or chatting or bowling…. all of these are GREAT first date options…
Gumby chooses to set a romantic table for us two ALONE in his apartment. This table is decorated to the brim, flowers, candles, nicely set place settings, oh and I can not forget to mention the romantic playlist that was serenading me in the background. (please picture this WHOLE situation in your mind… 6.3 redhead, in a suit, bow tie, top hat, romantic dinner for 2)
I thought that would be the end of the surprises for the night. He now proceeds to turn off the music, and stand 3 feet away from me,I was terrified for what was coming next..nothing could have prepared me..Gumby is a trained opera singer and he sang, or belted, to me! Now, in moments that I feel extremely uncomfortable I tend to look at other people around me to gauge their reactions to the awkwardness of the situation but…. NO ONE WAS THERE… I clapped at the end of his performance and to be honest the rest of that date was a complete blur.

Upon my return home, after chatting with my roommates and laughing about the experience I had just had, I went to my room and checked my email… One email grabbed my attention immediately, GUMBY in large bold letters. He sent me an email with a song he had just recorded for me, he claimed this was the first song he thought of and wanted to sing when he met me.
I love Gumby… I love the story I have to share thanks to him… I really hope that Gumby finds some girl who loves opera, bow ties, top hats and romantic dinners on the first date. I feel bad he got stuck on a date with me to be honest. But my friends definitely opened my eyes to the opposite end of the spectrum… no more jerks for me… but no more Gumby’s either..

xoxo The Heart Breaker

I had one room mate who said you can't really get over someone until there's someone else to move on to.

So in order to move on from Sweater Guy, I need a new crush. And maybe not even a crush, I'd settle for even a crinkle right now. Good plan right?

Problem is, I'm a little bit eccentric. I know this. It's ok. It's a fact I've come to love and accept about myself...

And the guys in my new ward... well, they're not. They all seem to cookie cutter versions of each other wearing different versions of the same shirt from aeropostle, AE, and abercombie.

Give me a boy with slightly skinnies and a band tee any day.
Why am I such a sucker for the Willoughbys?

I will try to keep an open mind though. Perhaps I will be able to educate some poor lad on the finer points of indie music and russian lit. And maybe he can teach me a thing or two as well.

things will work out.

xoxo
-The Romantic

Change is good right?

Goodbyes are sad....

But unfortunately necessary when you're stuck on someone who doesn't reciprocate your same feelings.

I tried telling Sweater Guy goodbye forever, because the whole friends thing isn't working out too well on my end.

It didn't work.... So I tried saying goodbye for a week(he's going to be around for spring/summer, and so am I). And then, my hands took control and decided to text him today.... I just had really good news I wanted to share!

Plus I still have his skate board.... oops....

xoxo
-The Romantic

LB made me a CD for driving home and the long plane ride abroad.

What am I gonna do with this boy?

xoxo
The Virgin

I met Library Boy in the library. (So original, right?) But not officially. He helped me find books for a paper last year. Occasionally I would see him and think about how cute he looked in his little A's hat. But that was it.

Then came last Wednesday. I met him at a BBQ. Saturday he asked me to hang out... Seriously some of the best conversations I've had with a boy in a really long time.

So what happens when you really hit it off with someone and you're leaving in three days, leaving the country in eight days, and the lad graduates this summer?

The Virgin

Last night, for the first time in my entire life, some random gentleman asked for my number....

It was awkward and highly embarrassing. Let me explain:

My roomie and I were sitting patiently in the de Jong last night waiting for the John Bytheway fireside to start. We were catching up on all the couple gossip in our ward, discussing my man hiatus, and her upcoming nuptials. Things were swell. We were hoping the fireside wouldn't be on marriage, although that's what our stake seems to be pushing big time these days. When suddenly, the guy behind me leans over, sticks out his hand, and says, "Hi, I'm Jared (not really his name)! What's yours?" "Um, Camie (that's not really my name, of course)..." "My friend wants to go on a date with you. Can I get your number?" I turned bright RED. Um, no. First of all, I don't even know you, or your friend. You could be a total creeper and all I know is your name. Second of all, why doesn't your friend ask me himself. Third of all, who is your friend anyway?? As all these thoughts ran through my head I looked beseechingly at my roomie for help. She just shrugged her shoulders at me, as if to say, i don't know what you should do.
"Would you rather talk to him?" he asked. I gave the affirmative. But before he turned back to his friend, he asked how old I was. "20" I answered. He said, "oh." and gave a look that seemed to say, that's a little young. I'm a junior in college! Thank you very much. Quite old indeed! Sorry you're 25 and not married (his friend looked closer to 30). Jared leaned back to conference with his friend. Before he could lean back over and accost me anymore, the fireside started.
Thankfully, the fireside was on hope, not dating. But then again, it did give me hope for dating. haha. so, maybe this hiatus won't last that long at all. I visited my new complex last night. and everyone was just so dang happy! Someone was blowing bubbles from the upper balcony, people were laughing, and talking, and every person I walked by said hello. It was like stepping into the Emerald City of apartment complexes. I'm just hoping the wicked witch won't ever show up.

xoxo
-the Romantic

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelll, I was hoping that after not hearing from Jean Claude for two days that I would be in the free and clear.

nope

he called my roomie's boyfriend to set up something this week.

he could be asking another girl right?

it's not that he's a bad guy.... it's just that i'm a fawn right now... and i'm also extremely picky....

xoxo
-the Romantic

I am mildly freaking out.

My room mate/best friend, who is now engaged and luckily done with the awkward dating scene, once described her dating-soul animal as a fawn. Which means that she was skittish around men if they came to close. Too much attention, and she would bolt!

I'm not exactly sure what my soul animal is, but after last night, I'm feeling pretty fawn-ish.

I had a few ideas about who the date might be with. And my top guess was correct.
Enter in Jean-Claude.

Jean-Claude is a legitimate African. Who speaks French. And who has lived in Paris.
Oh, excuse me Jean-Claude, would you like to whisper sweet french nothings in my ear? Because I'd certainly be ok with that.

It was a simple double date. We grabbed some Little Ceaser's, headed back to our apartment, ate said pizza and some delicious ice cream, and then decorated easter eggs.

I'm not really sure how I feel about him. The date was ok. We talked about baguettes and cheese, gelatto, and Europe (which I miss dearly, did I mention that's where I was last semester?).

But here's where I freaked out.
I got the vibe. Do you know the vibe I'm talking about girls?
He's attracted to me, I can tell. But if he comes on too strong, I might just pull a Bambi and bolt myself.
We were done decorating eggs, it had been a few hours, and I had friends coming in from Rexburg. But he wouldn't leave. And I was ready for the date to be over. But I guess he wasn't. Thank goodness he had to run back to campus to finish a finance project (did I mention he's in the Business school?). But then he wanted to come back and watch a movie! at like 12!

Calm down buddy! I can only handle so much.
I told him my friends were in town, and that I'd already planned on visiting with them last night.
Reality: I drove to SLC with them for a huge Tongan party.

Too much attention just freaked me out. Slow down Jean-Claude.... SLOW DOWN! Let's just be friends for now... s'il vous plaît?

xoxo
-The Romantic

A Triangle of Sorts

Happy Yom Kippur!

Oh President Samuelson

Staking one's claim.

Breaking up is hard to do...

Back on the Market

Date My Single Kid

It's facebook offical!

Meeting the Parents!

DTR

FYI about EFY

Coming Home

Limbo

A Congratulatory Post

Summer so far...

"It is not meet for Man to be alone... "

What we've all been wating for!

GUMBY

Prospects

:0(

A Symphony of Sound

Finals Week Dilemmas

Bytheway

Rumour has it

Oui?

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