Love in the real world

I am a little disappointed by the lack of entries I have received from potential columnists. Now I know it can seem like a daunting task to try and take my place, but I believe that there is a sexually-savvy, fun and frisky someone out there who would be perfect for the job. Let go of your inhibitions, put down the textbook for 15 minutes, jot down some of your thoughts on the social rules regarding sex at Muhlenberg, or write about your opinion on which flavored lube tastes the best. Hit me with your best shot!

With that being said, I move on to my own ramblings for the week. With graduation fast approaching, I've had to start thinking seriously about my future. At this point, I'm set. I have a job and a place to live all lined up.

But, besides the essentials, I know that in between working and getting my masters, I will keep wondering: Will I be able to find time for love? Will I be able to find love in the first place? Where the Hell should I start looking?

At Muhlenberg, I have gotten used to meeting people in classes, parties and bars. It's pretty easy to make eye contact with someone and start a conversation, and since everyone knows each other, it's safe to assume you can find a friend to put in a good word for you with your potential hook- up.

Then again, the small social scene promises that you will run into people over and over again, and that is bad news if your first hook-up went poorly, but it could be good news if you wanted to just "run into" your crush.

Out in the real world, it doesn't work this way, at least from what I have seen. It's depressing and frightening to think that I will be looking for a partner in the crowded Boston bar scene, 100x bigger and more competitive than Muhlenberg's collection of two or three bars and endless house parties on 22nd Street.

Is this where I am supposed to find my soul mate--pushing through a dark club with "Listen to Your Heart" pulsing in the background?

I don't think it is all hopeless. With the promise of a new job, there is the possibility of meeting new and interesting men. They work at the same school for children with special needs as I do, so I can assume we will have some things in common.

Perhaps these new men will be a little older and hopefully, a little wiser and less prone to sneaking out of my room in the middle of the night, or worse, taking my number without giving them permission to take it.

Although the work-love idea seems promising when first starting out, I have to advise you against "s@#ting where you eat." An office romance can make things very awkward around the water cooler if things go awry.

You never know where you are going to find love. It could be right in front of your face or thousands of miles away. I like to tell myself that there is plenty of time. I am still young, and there is no point in stressing myself out over the soul-mate dilemma now, while I am just reaching my prime. Of course, to be fair and honest, it is a thing that will undoubtedly occupy many of my thoughts.

I have already spent a lot of my life searching for that one special person. After all that time, I have gained a wealth of knowledge, tips, tricks and a broken nose.

But, at this point I think that I have come to the conclusion that it would be best to just ride the waves, seeing where they take me, instead of swimming against the tide towards an unknown goal. And maybe, I'll end up in the exact place that I want to be.

So, keep your fingers crossed for me. I'll do the same for all of you as we venture out into the real world, and as always remember to stay sexy, stay safe Muhlenberg!