Why is that when something is hard to find, or unavailable, it is unquestionably in higher demand? When a book goes out of print, it instantly becomes more valuable. When a famous artist dies, the prices of all his or her pieces skyrocket. When an athlete retires, his or her memorabilia is worth exponentially more than it was when he or she was playing. In the same vein, why is it that we become more desirable to others when we take ourselves off the dating market?
I was content to spend my last few weeks in London finishing my work, going out with friends and avoiding dating at all costs. In the past year I have spent no more than four months at a time in one city and I was looking forward to returning to D.C. to see if I could finally have a relationship without an expiration date. So a few weeks ago I told my friend that I was done with dating and hooking up for the duration of my stay.
That night we went out to the same bars we had been dozens of times before, never having met with more success than a couple of prospects here and there. Having put myself in a holding pattern, I didn't expect to meet anyone new at all. As we entered the first bar, I was blind to the heads that turned and any glances that came my way.
We had a few drinks and moved on to our favorite club. As we hit the center of the dance floor, I thought I was imagining the two very attractive men checking me out. I played the ever-so-sexy, "I'm oblivious to you, so why are you staring at me?" game that I usually reserve for the most obnoxious and unattractive of characters, while staying close enough to let them know their gaze was not unwelcome.
My friend went to the bathroom and the first one approached. Belgian, brown eyes, curly hair, great smile and a nice body; my holding pattern began to falter. He was a flight attendant, and even though I knew I would be taking off soon, I wondered what it would be like to join the mile-high club. Before he left he got my number and texted me moments after leaving the club.
Shortly after, the other guy circled for landing. French, his blue eyes and angelic face complimented his white T-shirt, tight jeans and Cartier watch. His impeccable taste made it easy to see why he was a personal shopper for Harrod's department store. He promised to call the next day.
I wondered what I had gotten myself into. In the three weeks I had left here, what did I expect to happen with either of these guys? I knew it was foolish. I should be cautious and just let them go, since I had no idea when I would ever be back in London. But I also knew that if I didn't allow myself a little more fun with some gorgeous men I would regret it for the rest of ... well, the next three weeks, at least. I agreed to go on dates with both.
The personal shopper called the next day as promised, and we had one of those perfect cocktails, dinner and dancing dates. But throughout the entire evening, even while gazing into his blue eyes, as he kissed my fingers and tasted my lips, I couldn't stop thinking about the fact nothing would ever become of it.
Nevertheless, I suddenly wanted to see him as much as possible. I wanted to have one of those brief foreign flings that would make me sigh whenever I remembered my time abroad. I knew there were other things I wanted to do, other people I wanted to spend time with, but I refused to live on a deadline.
He apparently knew nothing could come of it as well, because he cancelled our next date. But the flight attendant called the next day, so I put my seat in the upright position and prepared for possible takeoff.
Sometimes it can be the briefest affairs that are the most enjoyable. Without all the questions of where it's going and what it all means, we are free just to relax and accept it for what it is: the perfect ending to my shortest semester.
Books may go out of print, artists may die and athletes may retire, but until we are secured in the private collection, gallery or hall of fame of another, we can never be truly off the market. We may be content to sit in the stands for a while, but it is a lot more fun to stay in the game. The season may be brief, but it could just be the best yet.
Happy holidays, American University! See you next semester...
