Love, The Frog Princess

Disclaimer: This is another fictional work. Okay, El? LOL. :P

I’ve been told to wait countless times. I’ve been lead to believe that Prince Charming would someday come to sweep me off my feet. I grew up thinking that my life was a fairy tale waiting to happen. I’m not saying I was raised in falsehood, but that glimmer of hope has somehow dimmed and it’s getting harder to believe the things that I used to bet my heart on.

For years I’ve convinced myself that I was but an ugly duckling. I would grow out of my not-so-pleasant looks and one day turn into a beautiful and elegant swan. After I turned 18 though, it became evident that it wasn’t the case. I was no ugly duckling. I’m a frog princess doomed to be an eyesore for eternity until true love brushes its lips against mine. I would remain horrid to the eyes of many until a man sees past my exterior and find the true beauty that lies within me.

It’s so much harder than it looks though. Plenty of men claim to give more weight on a woman’s character, but they only try to get to know the person that catches their eye. They seldom give the unpretty girl a second thought. Ah, how better it is to be a man! They do not wait for women to come talk to them, they assert themselves and approach whoever captures their fancy. Girls may have control over the game of courtship, but it is the men who initiate. Even if he doesn’t look like a Greek god, there’s still a chance that he takes home the prize because women can be swayed with constant wooing and good showmanship. It’s easy for us to change our minds about men and look beyond their appearance because they are given the opportunity to flaunt their strengths, while we just wait to get noticed.

I’m not belittling womanhood, mind you, as I am proud to be a lady. However, in the matter of romance, I believe I have spoken the truth. I can’t go up to a man and simply declare my interest and availability without subjecting myself to disapproving looks and hushed name-calling. I am to behave as any proper lady should and I can’t help but feel that I might just end up being a spinster. The waiting game may not work to my advantage. My prince, on his way to find me, might come across a beauty asleep or a lovely damsel on a tower and would no longer go any further than where he is. This frog princess may grow old waiting for a prince that may never come and I may never have a taste of that spell-breaking kiss.

So if you’re out there, fairy godmother, hear this: If I’m not meant to be with a man, if I’m destined to journey through life alone, at least take away the ache and the longing. Grant my heart the understanding that life is not all about ever afters with someone. Help me understand that I deserve to be happy with whatever I have and whoever I am. Bless me with contentment so that I may accept the way I look and see for myself the beauty inside me that I claim to possess. I’m not giving up my fantasies of finding true love; I just don’t want to keep my hopes up any longer. I don’t want to expect no more, to leave room for surprises, no matter how my story might end. If not, at least give me a prince that’s worth the wait.

...

The Forever Alone Conjecture

My circle of friends is composed of fifteen equally amazing and gifted individuals. All fifteen are lovely in their own right. However, 73.33% of the said population is currently single; 60% have never been in a relationship; 26.67% have never been romantically involved with anyone, living, dead, or otherwise. Makes you wonder doesn't it? The statistics show that our group isn't performing well in the romance department. Shocking? Barely.

It has been scientifically proven that people are intimidated with people who belong in a large, closely-knit group. More so if the group is comprised of members with strong personalities. They not only have to prove themselves to the person they are interested in, but also to his/her peers. This makes it exhausting and even irksome for any interested party. This alone can be accounted for the lack of good performance by the group in terms of romance and intimacy.

Another theory that supports the data presented is the "My Friends Over You" Rule. Any person seeking for a serious relationship is usually opposed to this rule, save for special cases such as when both parties belong to the same group of friends thus making the rule redundant. Since 46.67% of the population practices the said rule, other people then feels discouraged to make any advances.

We now live in a modern age where most people would do away with customs and traditions. More and more people turn to technology to find a match, and the group's hesitation to resort to this method contributes to the data gathered as well. Although some don't mind meeting people online or through texting, a whopping 73.33% prefer to meet someone traditionally. Although not all the singles share this idea, it is interesting to note that the percentage of those who prefer the traditional method matches that of the singles of the group. This traditional mindset narrows down the chances of meeting more people and basically limits the group to people within their immediate environment and their relations.

In conclusion, the group is faced with the statistics presented because of the mutual attachment of the members to the group and their traditional ideals. Also, it is not to be blamed solely on group dynamics. The individual factor is yet to be considered. Most members have set standards that are deemed high by the general public. The members of the group are idealistic in nature and has romantic notions that prevent them from settling to anything below their standards. With this in mind, along with all the supporting theories presented, the high singles percentage of the group is explained. This is why we are all Forever Alone. Together. :)