Enjoy Love Responsibly

With Valentine's Day approaching fast, I would like to share some of the hot, juicy, romantic details of my love life.

But, I won't.

See how that works?

I work at a college. I see lovers all the time. The lounge outside my office is a virtual heavy petting zoo. This quarter, I am blessed with two students in my lab section who are constantly whispering to each other and pawing at each other under the table and not paying attention to anything but their personal love universe while I'm telling them about what they should do if they spill acid on themselves.

Hmmm.....maybe there is justice in this world...

People experiencing intense feeling of romantic love (which at any point in time, encompasses about 0.8 % of the human population) have been bestowed with one of life's great experiences. There is nothing quite like that feeling that overcomes your mind and causes another person to seem so perfect, despite the fact that she has a third nipple and her uncle axe-murdered that store clerk. And, you're lucky enough that she feels likewise despite the fact that you pooed yourself on that day-hike in the park? This kind of love is a tasty, intense, experience. Yes, a tasty, intense temporary experience. And, I think, for the sake of the other 99.2%, we should try to enjoy this experience with some degree of sobriety and modesty.

Why?

Well, if you have to ask, it's probably because you are part of that 0.8% and your naughty bits are feeling quite tingly and enjoying nice blood flow. But, the blood flow is starving the part of your brain that causes you to feel empathy for the others around you. Others who might be lonely. Others who have not found that special person yet. Others who are no longer in the mind-blowing phase of the relationship where it seems their partner farts rose petals. Others who are trying to get some work done while you and your soul mate fornicate on the couch in the student lounge.

That's okay Romeo. Loss of empathy is one of the side-effects of the drug you're on.

But, maybe you could just tone it down a bit?

Now, in the age of Facebook and MySpace, we have PDDA's.

Public Digital Displays of Affection...

The wall posts and status updates. Where each person publicly proclaims their love to each other so the world can see. How romantic.

* gag *

It makes one wonder...

If you are completely secure with your self and your relationship, wouldn't you be a bit more self-contained? Why the need to broadcast?

The other 99.2% already knows you're lucky. And, hopes you should enjoy this phase.

But...

I think it's most respectful to others, your partner and your self if you enjoy it quietly, to yourselves.

And, don't operate heavy machinery.

At least for another two years.

Happy Valentine's Day.

To 100% of you all.