By Jessica Hickerson
Where have all the cowboys gone?
Romance: to try to influence or curry favor with especially by lavishing personal attention, gifts, or flattery.
When you think of the word “romance,” what pops into your head? Coming up empty? Is your mind blank? Probably. Romance is not something many people take seriously these days what with meetings, classes, practices, jobs, etc. People are just too busy to think about something silly like romance. I mean, who really has time to spend worrying about it? Aren’t we all just too active and immersed in college life to deal with those sensitive and mushy aspects of romantic dealings? Maybe. Or maybe it is something we all need to make time for.
When I think of the word “romance,” for some reason old western movies come to mind. Now hold on: just hear me out. Most western romances included a damsel-in-distress and a studly cowboy. The damsel would be in, well, distress and the studly cowboy would sweep in and rescue her from the perils of evil. After saving his dear lady, he would dip and passionately kiss her to show his undying love. Together they would ride into the sunset wrapped in each other’s arms and the audience is left to imagine the wonders of their love.
The “cowboy scenario” is perhaps a little far-fetched; I’ll grant you that. But romance is not just rescueing your lady love from most certain harm. Remember when it was normal and natural for gentlemen to open doors, send flowers or cards, and do everything they could (within reason, obviously) to make their lady happy. It hasn’t been too long since that was the norm but it has been long enough. Romance is not a factor in relationships anymore. It’s a shame really. Romance can blossom young love into a long-lasting happy relationship. But somewhere along the way the concept of romance was lost. Seems like most people are not working hard enough to keep the romance, the fire, and the passion alive in their relationships.
I don’t mean to be blunt, but guys I am talking to you. Women tend to work harder in relationships and want romance in their lives. That’s why we blush when you compliment us, that’s why we get excited everytime we see you, that’s why we get teary-eyed when you think of us enough to buy a mushy card or a flower. Women love romance.
Every man says they don’t understand a thing about women so here is some tips: if you like a girl and would like to date her, pay attention to her, be sweet and caring, and show that you care about her instead of just telling her. Now, if you already have a girlfriend all you have to do is pay attention to her, be sweet and caring, and show that you care about her instead of just telling her. Sense a pattern??
Here’s a warning though: I have to contradict myself and say that not every woman is exactly what I have described above. But I am confident in saying that 95% of us are like that. It’s all about centering in on our significant other’s wants and needs. That’s the bottom line.
So call me old fashioned but I am one of those women who yearn for that romance in their life. It is important to understand how wonderful, satisfying and just plain fun romance can be. Women know that every man is no cowboy but every woman has some fantasy about her cowboy coming to rescue her.
