The Adorable Stalkers

I am not really a feminist. I like boys who hold doors, can change a tire on my Subaru, know how to use a shovel, and who I absolutely can’t benchpress. I like boys who think I’m smart. And attractive. However, I am an equalist. I believe everyone deserves a fair shot in life – whether in the workplace, school admissions, or love. Everyone has a right to try to find their happy. Everyone at least deserves a shot at it.

I tell you this because I have a friend who has removed herself from the dating game for years. Despite encouragement from all her friends, she hasn’t put a toe in to test conditions. I had written her off. When she came into my office today I thought it was about a project for work. Instead, she asked me to take her picture. “It’s for online dating,” she whispered. “I decided I have nothing to lose. What if I never get any prettier?”

It didn’t matter that she already was. On top of being smart. And sweet. And wonderful. Just shy. And really scared.

During lunch I snapped a few pictures. And some more when she wasn’t looking. She told me about a boy who had emailed her. He sounded nice. Really nice. I showed her the picture. She said it was accurate. And then sent it off to her first love interest in years. As I biked home my phone rang. I pulled over. One new voicemail.

“He thinks I am pretty,” she said.

I knew he would. Still … I couldn’t stop smiling.