Romance is dead.

A couple weeks ago, I decided to watch The Notebook for the umpteenth time. I was in one of those lonely moods and The Notebook seemed like the perfect movie to deepen my depression. Of course, considering my mood, I started crying as the opening credits debuted. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a lovey dovey romance movie type of girl. I actually boycotted seeing The Notebook for years because I thought it would be as torturous as watching A Walk to Remember. Obviously, I finally gave in, and now think that The Notebook is the most beautiful and inspiring love story. However, as the movie went on, I found myself actually getting fired up, throwing my hands in the air, shaking my head, and wondering why the f*** doesn’t anyone treat romance like this anymore… with tears streaming down my face. Romance in a nutshell, is dead.

When’s the last time a guy or girl went out of their way to show their interest? When I think about that question, all I hear are crickets. The last time it happened to me was 6 years ago. 6 years! WTF! Mind you, that was before all the technological advancements. Since then, my encounters have been alcohol related or reduced to texts, instant chat, e-mail, Facebook and MySpace.

(However, those MySpacers are creepy. I get random messages from people that I would actually call stalkers. One time, after not responding to a guy, he actually wrote me again saying that I was beautiful on the outside but dead on the inside. HA! Wow. Thanks buddy, but you know nothing about me. I’m a delicate flower, blossoming with life on the inside and just because you can’t get my pollen doesn’t mean you can try and sting me. )

Guys and girls are at fault here. We are hiding behind the computer screen. We are becoming closed off from intimacy. We can pretend to be flirtatious by poking each other on Facebook but that’s not what I consider flirting. Besides, that’s not the way I want to get poked. I think that with all the methods of communication that are present today, we are becoming too dependent on them that it’s affecting how relationships begin. There are so many ways that you can connect and communicate with people today that it’s ruining the thrill and excitement of meeting someone IN PERSON.

It makes sense, there’s less anxiety when it comes to asking someone out through a text. But it’s the easy and lame way out. These advancements are giving us easier options to express our feelings without feeling under pressure. You are not afraid to say how you feel hiding behind the computer screen. You can sit there and think about what you want to say, type it, contemplate sending it and ultimately say “f*** it” to yourself and hit send. I’ll be honest, I’ve done it. It’s less stress for me. But do I really want to start my relationships like that? Nooooooooo.

There are some instances where people do let you know they are interested without a computer or cell phone. For instance, a drive-by shouting always let’s you know that someone thinks you look good. But then they drive off and it’s a missed connection. However, you can always depend on the ones you would never ever date to hit on you. How about guys with no teeth? They never have a problem telling you how they feel. At least you know they won’t bite. It’s flattering and all but I want someone who is going to be able to brush their teeth while I’m sitting on the toilet. That’s what they do in the movies right? Why can’t the guys with teeth show interest by just saying hello. That’s all it takes. There are billions of people in this world, yet I feel so detached from the guys. Put the man back in romance!

There are plenty of opportunities to meet someone everyday. Yet it’s not happening. I could meet someone at the grocery store, dog park, or outdoor concerts. But I’m not. You know why? Well besides the fact I think guys are cowards, it’s because no one makes eye contact. I did some experimenting, I went out and I tried to make eye contact with a couple dudes and it wasn’t working. They either thought they were too cool for school, wouldn’t smile or they would look away instantly. I’ll be honest; I’m not an unattractive person. I’m quite the catch. But come on, why won’t anyone make eye contact? Do I have to wear a computer screen over my face in order for someone to feel comfortable talking to me?

I’m sorry, but I’m tired of talking to people through the computer or only when they’re drunk. That’s not how I want someone to win my affection. Bring back the romance. Call me old-fashioned but I want to be swept off my feet. I don’t want to have to wear the pants and make the first move. I want it to be mutual and the only way I can feel that is through making eye contact with someone. Instead, there’s no “seize the moment” mentality because you know that if you really wanted to, you could look someone up on Facebook or be (in my book) a total wimp and post your missed moment under Craiglist’s “Missed Connections”. Guys and Girls, here’s a thought, grow some baseballs and seize the moment.