I Am: Skeptical About Love

I am...


Skeptical About Love.






What does this mean - being skeptical about love?

Simply put: Unlike most people, I feel that I am aware of the difference between infatuation and love.

Note: In this post, I am strictly referring to romantic love, and not love of any other kind such as familial love.

So, what is the difference between infatuation and love?

Well, the dictionary definition of infatuation is: "To inspire or possess with a foolish or unreasoning passion, as of love."

If you're like me, that definition means nothing to you. In fact, it's rather insulting. Who are you calling foolish and unreasoning?!

So, now we see the wisdom of defining infatuation by differentiating it from love:

-- Infatuation is that stage when the person you are with seems to have no flaws whatsoever. Or, if he has flaws, they are minor ones like "He doesn't wear socks with his loafers. How odd." Love, on the other hand, realizes the imperfections of the other and it looks past those weaknesses. Therefore, when you love a person, you realize their flaws number into the plural but you love them anyway.

-- Infatuation is selfish. When you are infatuated, you cannot stop thinking about how happy that person makes you, how great you feel when you are with that person, etc. However, when you love someone, you are selfless. You wonder how you can make them happy, how to make them feel great.

-- Infatuation makes you lack self-control. You feel like you need to be with that person all the time, and unless you're intimate with that person, you're not satisfied. Love includes expressions of intimacy, but unlike infatuation, love is not dependent on these expressions of intimacy. Moreover, when you love someone, you are willing to wait for them - no matter how long the two of you are apart from each other.

-- When you are infatuated, there are rarely any "serious" discussions. In fact, most disagreements are settled with a kiss. However, in love, "serious" discussions are plentiful - you talk about everything and anything. And when you don't agree, you aren't afraid to share your opinions and to work through it together.

-- In infatuation, everything seems to be perfect and comes with ease. However, love requires real effort and time. As a result, it's not always blooming roses - in that moment anyway.

-- Infatuation is temporary. Love is permanent. Yes, the greatest difference between the two is that infatuation flees at the slightest difficulty but love endures all things. Infatuation is for today, but love is forever.

Do you realize the difference? If you are with someone right now, can you honestly say you are in love - or are you infatuated? More importantly: Are you willing to put in the time, effort, and self-sacrifice that love requires?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then you are different, just like me. Let's celebrate. [Raises her water bottle.] TO LOVE!

I Am: Funny

I am...


Somewhat funny.



How would you describe your sense of humour?

-Non-existent?

-Lets-others-make-the-jokes?

-Immature? (FYI, if you are a 12-year-old boy or a 27-year-old with the mind of a 12-year-old boy, you fall in the latter description.)

This is my description:

Corny, extra dry with a side of "Was that supposed to be a joke?", and a hint of irony.

In other words, if you are one of those people who just don't "get" jokes, you can be my friend.

However, if you are one of those people that just laughs out of politeness or obligation, don't let the door hit your ass on the way you.

Listen stranger: If you don't have a sense of humour, just come out and admit it already!

Stop with the polite half-chuckles that end in awkward silence when both you and the joke-teller realize that you don't get the humour.

That's the great thing about humour - It's not "Is it funny?" but rather "Do I get it?"

All humour is funny - if you get it.

So, if you don't, do yourself a favour and just admit it. Then, change the subject before the joke-teller tries to explain the joke.

Speaking of funny, here's something that I find absolutely hilarious:

Ahmed the Terrorist

If you don't find it funny, you just don't get it - and this is better to admit than to think that you don't have a sense of humour.

I'd rather be stupid than lack a sense of humour.

And that's what makes me different. Boo-ya!

I am: A Loner

Yes, I am a loner.












But in which respect? And why does this make me different?

I karaoke (YouTube, Microphone, and all that jazz) by myself.

Yes, by myself.

I know, I'm a freak of nature.

[sings] And I'm looooovin' it!

Other things that make me a loner:
-- I rarely go out to "party." In fact, I've never been to a club and have no desire to go. I'm a homebody and proud of it. For the record, the fact that I don't go to party probably makes me the only 20-year-old to get the recommended 8 to 9 hours of sleep.

-- I went through the first two years of high school and barely talked to anybody. Unless of course, they talked to me. I'd be just plain rude not to say something back. So I said "Yes" or "No" or "I don't know."

-- I only have two friends that are in my age bracket. They're my best friends and that's all I really need. Quality over quantity any day, foo!

-- The rest of my friends are all older. Somehow, people who have already settled down are far less eye-roll worthy than some of the fools my own age. (Yes, I know. If you're the fool I'm talking about, you think I'm a fool too. C'est la vie. xD)

-- I'm an only child. That makes me a loner from the day that I was born.

And guess what?

"It's better to be alone than to be lonely."

So say what you want but I love my loner self. You should too, you loner!

This way, you can be different, just like me.

And we can extend our forefinger and thumbs in the shape of an L together. Then, we'll be friends and no longer loners.


Bazinga!!

I Am: Addicted

Yes, that's right.

I am different because I am addicted...


To TV shows!






Here is where you can berate me for berating you about all the time you spend on Facebook. I waste all of my time watching astronomical amounts of TV shows.

Well, it couldn't be that bad, you say. I follow two or three TV shows myself.

Yeah, I wish! I wish I only watched "two or three" TV shows.

Let's count them all, shall we?

1. House

This one I am not embarrassed to admit I watch. It is what I would, in my professional opinion, consider a better quality of TV entertainment.

2. Glee

This is a recent addiction. And for somebody that doesn't even like musicals!

3. 90210

Yes, I know. How could I? Don't worry, it get's worse:

4. Gossip Girl

See. I told you. Again, no idea why I watch this but alas...

5. How I Met Your Mother

I'm starting to wane away from this one, thankfully. Too bad it's a half-hour show instead of the full hour. Didn't save much time there.

6. The Big Bang Theory

Another one of the better ones out there. This one I would recommend!

7. Chuck

Yes, I'm still counting:

8. Burn Notice

This is one heck of a hot summer show.

9. Lie to Me

With the numbers building up, I am embarrassed to admit: Thank goodness it was saved!

10. Bones

Yes, I'm STILL counting. Shut up, will ya?

11. Human Target

I know, I know! You've never even heard of this show, eh?

12. Survivor

I only watched the previous two seasons and I have vowed (for obvious reasons) to not watch it anymore.

13. Castle

Last but not least.


THIRTEEN FREAKIN' SHOWS!

There is something wrong with me!

If you're reading this..HELP ME!

I know I don't need to ask: "Are you different just like me?" because nobody is as insane as I am in this regard.

And here is the kicker:

I don't even own a TV.

I Am: Interesting

I am....


Interesting?





Well, full of interesting facts, anyway.

Here are some off the top of my head:

-> The term "Mad Men" was coined to describe advertising executives on Madison Avenue way back when I wasn't even born. They coined it.

-> No two zebras are identical in their stripes, much like snowflakes and fingerprints.

-> In addition to zebras, snowflakes and fingerprints, no two people have the same tongue print. (I have two zebras. How many do you have? xD)

-> Jackie Chan goes through about 50 suits per stunt.

-> Running outside is a more effective workout than running on a treadmill due to the fact that no street is perfectly straight, often times the wind is against you, and unlike a treadmill, the ground beneath you isn't propelling you forward. They say you should run at an incline of 1.5 to get the same benefits on a treadmill.

-> When lions roar, they roar towards the ground so that their prey does not know where the roar is coming from and often times, runs straight to the lion.

-> Horses are all warm-blooded. However, different breeds are also described as being hot-blooded, warm-blooded, or cold-blooded. Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and a few other breeds are described as hot-blooded. These horses have enormous energy and are lean body-wise. Cold-blooded horses are working horses; slower, sturdier, larger horses like the Clydesdale:



-> The racing horse Secretariat was a horse known for literally leaving his competitors in the dust, as well as for setting several records, some of which stand even today. Another interesting fact: Most horses, when they race, they finish each racing distance at a declining pace. However, it was said that Secretariat, near the end, often times finished at an accelerating pace. That is, each racing distance was run faster than the previous.

-> Hitler's mother contemplated abortion.

-> A photo camera works exactly the same way as your eye. The two are so similar that parts of the camera even shares a name with parts of the eye. Other things that borrow from nature: airplanes, cars, Velcro, medical advancements, and more!

-> Crocodiles and alligators are distinguishable by a tooth that sticks out for the one and not the other. Now if only I could remember which is which...

---

Well there you have it. A few off the top of my head.

Disclaimer:

While I know some of these are facts, the validity of others is disputable - by myself and others. Nonetheless, all are, I think, interesting. :)

How many did you not previously know?

Are you full of interesting facts too, just like me, or are you know of those that just can't remember worth a damn? xD

I am: Facebook-less

I am different because....


I am Facebook-less.




That's right! I have a face. And books. Only one face, but multiple books, and no Facebook. Nuh-uh. Once, before, when the sound of dinosaurs nibbling on leaves permeated the land. But I quit. After a week.

Yes, I know. I'm a social-networking alien. Get your magnifying glasses and examine me all you want: There is nothing wrong with me.

It's you, not me.

You may be thinking: "Well, surely you must use something else. MySpace? LinkedIn? Twitter? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU WOMAN?!"

That's right, stranger. I don't use any social networking sites.

Now, that being said, I do own a Twitter and a LinkedIn account. However, we were forced to make these for school since advertisers embrace anything that is taking hold of the majority of the population, like social networking sites.

That being said, I do not actually use Twitter or LinkedIn. I probably will once I enter the workforce.

Still, I will never own a Facebook account.

Much of my motivation comes from the fact that I simply want to stand out like a yellow crayon in a box of black crayons.

But there are other reasons:

1. Facebook is a time-sucker.

Yeah, I saw that wince. You know I'm right. Think of all the things you have to do on Facebook: Update! - posts, photos, videos. Tag! - In your own photos, and see all the photos in which you've been tagged. Comment! - On, well, anytime a friend updates anything. Join! - Fan pages, Groups. Play! - Farmville, anyone?

Think: How many hours a week does Facebook take up of your time? What else could you do with that time?

I suggest read a book. You're already reading all the comments people post, might as well simply switch to reading something useful. [grins]

2. Facebook is damn addictive.

This is a major reason why it is such a time-sucker. And you know, with things like Starbucks floating around at every corner, I really don't need to feed yet another addiction. Please, keep possible addictions like Facebook away from me! xD

3. Facebook can ruin relationships.

No, I do not mean when someone breaks up with another person by changing their relationship status to "Single." In this case, Facebook didn't ruin the relationship. Likely, it was already done and over with. Facebook was just the push that send it over the cliff.

What I mean is the fact that people use Facebook - technology in general but Facebook especially - as a means to scope out a relationship. For example, a good friend of mine was interested in a guy. She was confused as to whether or not he had a girlfriend. She concluded that they had recently broken up because "His relationship status changed to 'It's complicated.'"

I mean, whatever happened to asking someone "Hey, you single?" - And I don't mean asking over Facebook, you coward!

Honestly, what kind of a relationship is based off of a status on a social networking site? Needless to say, my friend and that guy never made it anywhere.

---

So there you have it!

A freak who avoids Facebook.

Do you have a Facebook account or are you a freak and different, just like me? :)

I am: A Virgin

I am different because

I am a virgin.




It seems defiant to make such a profound statement on my third post. But hey, it really makes me different. Consider:

--I am a college student.
--There is nothing physically grotesque about me. (I know.. It's difficult to believe somebody on the internet does not weight 300 lbs. xD)
--Moreover, I have had a long-term relationship with my boyfriend for nearing 3 years now.

Yet, I am a virgin. And so is he.

It begs the question: Why be a virgin? No, not until I'm 40 years old. Just until marriage. And why is this not a cliche?

First, why wait? Here are a few reasons:

1. When both parties wait to have sex, there is absolutely NO worry of contracting an STD.

Does this sound like a text book? Well, let's put it this way: 1 in 3 Canadians under the age of 25 have an STD. That means if you sleep with just three people, one of them will have an STD. Which means you might have an STD. For. The. Rest. Of. Your. Life. With odds like that, you couldn't pay me to have sex! (Pun intended. xD)

2. Because I have chosen to wait, I never have to worry about late periods.

Again, sound like a text book? Girls, if you're not on the pill, think of the last time your period was late. Probably, it was late because you were stressed out. It happens. Now, if you're sexually active, how many times does your brain think "Did I or did I not wear that condom? What if it broke? Did he put it on right? Holy ----, what if I'm pregnant?"

If you don't think like this because you're stressed out anyway, you're either in denial, or some sort of a Super Woman. :)

3. Because I have chosen to wait, I don't have to explain myself to my parents.

This is a big one. (That's what she said. xD) Most people don't want to think of their parents "doing it." Well, guess what Sherlock? Your parents probably don't want to think you of you "doing it" either. However, when you wait until marriage, there is no explanation necessary. Your parents don't ask, they don't raise their eyebrows when you're on your way out to meet your boy/girlfriend, and most importantly, they don't judge you. Why? Because you're married. THAT'S WHY.

4. I don't have to worry about my drunken hookups following my reputation.

I think that says it all.

5. Your relationship with your boy/girlfriend improves when you both choose to wait.

Find it hard to believe that sex doesn't actually improve relationships? Don't. Any sort of intimacy puts expectation on you - I have to please him/her.

But, when you put sex on hold, you have all the time in the world to focus on what really matters in a relationship. When you're together several times a week but you're not getting physical, you talk - really, really talk. You get to know who the person is - what they think, how they act, how they treat others. This makes you appreciate each other and most importantly, it helps you build what it takes to make a relationship last - communication that works.

6. You know a person really loves you when they're willing to wait months, and even years to have sex with you.

Marriage is the ultimate commitment. When someone is willing to show that they're truly committed to you and to making it last before they have sex with you, you know they really love you. After all, actions speak louder than words.

7. The sex will be better.

How do I know this if I haven't had it? Simple common sense. When neither my boyfriend and I have had sex, we don't have any expectations of each other to "last" or to "outdo" previous partners. It'll just be a moment to enjoy - which is exactly what it should be.

Also, read any article on how to improve your sex life and it'll basically tell you that the key to great sex is communication. Well, do you remember what I said we do instead of having sex? That's right - communicating.

--

Well, there you have it. Not one, not two, but seven reasons to wait. Is this not enough reasons to also prove that waiting is not a cliche?

(Note: This blog is in now way intended to bring down those who have chosen to have sex prior to marriage. It merely explains why I have chosen not do so.)

If I wanted to, I could have sex. But I choose not to. This is what makes me different.

If you make the same choice, you'll be different just like me. :)