Sunday, February 13, 2011

Mamihlapinatapei


Let's get this out of the way first: yes I drew that, no it's not great, yes I still think it illustrates the point pretty nicely.

Anyway, don't feel too bad if you can't pronounce that word up there, it's not an English word anyway.

It comes to us courtesy of the Yagan language, the language of the people native to Tierra del Fuego, and it's absolutely one of my favorite words that we don't have in our language. It's a word that so deep and emotional, and so prevalent that I feel like our language is missing out by not having something like it.

The reason I'm posting this now is because of the big day looming on the horizon: Valentine's Day. For some people, it's the happiest day of the year, filled with love and emotion and a sense of attachment and gratitude for being part of a couple. For others (and I know more than a few people who are this way this year) it's a reminder of how depressingly single you are.

The funniest and saddest meme that exists on the internet.

Now, disclaimer (especially to my mom who reads this every now and again [Hi mom!]), I'm fine with being single, really I am. I'm a happy, laid-back guy who is really enjoying college. However, every once in awhile, especially around Valentine's Day, it's a little apparent that I'm definitely missing something in my life.

This is where that little comic comes in up the top. Thinking about that word it strikes me that unless someone makes the first move, nothing is ever going to happen. No matter how much that guy and that girl on the bench up there want to have a conversation, unless someone opens up their mouth, nothing is going to happen.

So my challenge for myself is to avoid that experience, avoid mamihlapinatapei. If I don't put myself out there, I'm just gonna end up like forever alone guy, sad and bulbous and creepy as hell.

Anyway, those are my feelings on Valentine's Day. I hope this didn't come off as depressing because it really wasn't meant to be. I actually intended it to be a little more inspirational than depressing hahaha. Anyway, back to entertainment for the next post! Woo!

P.S. - To the girls out there: this isn't the middle ages anymore. If you like one of us guys, go for it! We like to see that you're interested! It's cute and awesome and can jump start something the guy may be too nervous to go for.  If you never show any interest you may never see any from the guy you're after, because he thinks you don't like him! So that comic up there is for you girls, too!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I'll send you some virtual Valentines smiles *♥* You seem like a nice guy, I'm certain you'll find a lovely lady soon enough :) Valentines is just a hallmark holiday these days anyway!

You're right too, that guy is really creepy.

p.s. just noticed the link for me in your sidebar. Much thanks :D x

Krista May said...

That picture of the bulbous man was on the napkin dispenser at the place I went to for dinner last night.

Christine said...

Valentine's Day is severely overrated by both those who passionately despise it AND those who absolutely thrive off of it. It's just another day :) I say this as an old married woman ;) OK, maybe not old... but married.

And yeah, dating is super awesome, at times. But it also requires sacrifice and selflessness. So, really, you're at a good place in your life :) Don't be afraid to chill there for a while. Because guys who just randomly ask out strange girls can be pretty creepy.

Jacky said...

i can be pretty shy when it comes to meeting new people, but sometimes you really just have to act and speak as if you don't care what they think of you. otherwise, how can they come to like you?

Kareem said...

look at it this way. you will never see the person again. just go for it. its like anything else. the more you practice the better you will become at it and it will feel natural. however I actually try not to take out a girl on Valentines because everything is way over priced!

Oh and if a girl your dating tells you that she hates valentines day and does not want to celebrate it. Don't listen to her. I learned the hard way

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