The Age-Old Question...

It was a drizzly November day when I sat home alone on the couch, curled up in a blanket, a mug of tea warming my hands, with Sex and the City reruns keeping me company.

"Thirty is the new twenty," stated one of the girls, confidently. As the program cut out for a commercial break, my trance was broken and I am transported, once more, into reality; I am not in New York, but on an overstuffed couch in a living room in Maine, the escaped particles of my teabag clinging to the bottom of my empty cup. I, right now, am that 20-something, at the age that Carrie Bradshaw always glances back on but never really elaborates about, as if love is easier when you're a decade younger than middle-aged. As I tuned the advertisements out as background noise, I got to thinking; what about love for those of us 20-somethings? Just because we're younger, doesn't mean that it's any more easy. In fact, people in their 20's have a whole different set of challenges to face while on the quest for love.

Although there are more married people in the age categories for thirty and beyond--that is, there are less options for those that are still single--isn't it true that most of those that are still in the dating game are searching for something beyond a fling or a one night stand? I mean, it's easy for any single girl to find a hook-up, but what about this: In a society where that's the extent of many people's romantic aspirations, what's a girl to do if she is looking for something more?

As more these questions began filling my head, one right after the other, I couldn't help but wonder: In an age group where the majority of us are single, but the minority of us is actually looking for love, is it harder for 20-somethings to find the real thing than for 30- or 40-somethings?

I once had an older guy accusingly tell me that I am "one of those girls who needs love" and, because of this, he was not my type. I automatically felt embarrassed and defensive, like a little girl being told by a parent that her desires are nothing but fantasy. Looking back, I wish I had told him that he was right. Over the course of our short friendship, he'd bruised my ego and broke my trust. But in retrospect, I am thankful for his impact--with his hurt, he brought lessons and hard as they were to take, they had to be learned. Now, looking back, I know that he was completely right; a guy that is nearing thirty and still doesn't know what to do with his life really isn't my type.

And as I sit here, writing, I am inspired by the voice that Carrie gave to single women who are middle-aged; and I vow to give one to those of us who are, as Ms. Bradshaw put it, "20-somethings." Because, young or old, there are challenges for all of us to face in the world of dating; but when it comes down to it love is love, and a worthy prize in a tricky game.

A Tribute to Carrie Bradshaw

A Tribute to Carrie Bradshaw-A College Girl's Account of Love in the City


On a cool Boston afternoon, a single girl walked in a single line through the center of a moving crowd in the heart of Copley.

On my own mission, I was perfectly content roaming the city by myself, meandering and window shopping wherever I pleased. But as I repeatedly dodged couples that were stuck together, making my way around them so as not to sever their held hands, I couldn't help but wonder; When completely surrounded by strangers, is one still "alone"? If everyone has another half, are we truly "alone" until our soul mates are found?

As a straight girl going to an art school dominated by females and gay men, straight guys are a rarity and ones that are also single are a hot commodity, making the man-catching game a lesson in creativity. Luckily, this college city is crawling with guys--yes, even straight ones--giving us single gals plenty of chances.

In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying Thai dates with Lauren, strolls down Newbury Street with Lisa, and movie nights with my (coupled)roommates, Chris and Dani. And when I find myself alone in a crowd, the city will be my date, and I will be perfectly content.