A Valentine's Day Story

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A Valentine’s Day Story

At what lengths would you go to ask somebody out on a date? In the world today, it is easy for our generation to hide behind a phone call or text message. But to confront someone face to face with the chance of rejection is something we all fear.

It was a warm spring day in March of 2014. I was leaving my office right outside of Watkinsville, Georgia heading to a party in Atlanta to kick-off the weekend. As I hopped on I-85 South, I noticed a gorgeous young woman in my rearview mirror driving wildly in a white jeep. It seemed as if she was trying to race me.

I wasn’t going to let Danica Patrick (Nascar Driver) beat me though. So I made it entertaining after she passed me and then I passed her. This cycle went on for about 15 minutes, until I finally made it a point that she wasn’t going to pass me anymore.

After graduating college two years ago, and working a lack-luster full time job, my life lacked spontaneity. So I thought, how in the world am I going to ask this woman on a date? As luck would have it, there were a few lights assembled on I-85 South for construction purposes. I was going to get out of my car at one of the lights, and walk to her car and introduce myself.

As I approached the first light, I looked down, and in between my seats I found a pen and a piece of paper. I wrote my name and number on the paper. I was ready to give this a try at the next light.

In the moment, my heart was thumping. Was I really going to exit my vehicle at a major intersection, in the middle of rush-hour traffic, to ask somebody to go on a date with me?

What if the light turned green? What were the other drivers on the road going to think of me? What if the woman thought I was an absolute maniac?

When I arrived at the next light, I hurriedly exited my car, and walked behind to her car. I introduced myself and slipped her the piece of paper with my number. After walking back to my car, this calming relief came over me. I was proud of myself for doing something 99% of men would never do.

So what happened after? I FAILED.

I can’t tell you why I failed … But it was definitely a risk worth taking. Sure I made myself vulnerable and exposed myself on a major highway, but I gained more in self-confidence from taking that action than humiliation & self-pity.

I whole-heartedly believe there are strong insights from my story that we can all apply to our own lives. When people talk about the comfort zone, yes it is cliché. But I highly encourage you to put yourself in situations weekly where you are uncomfortable.

What I have learned is that when you are scared and nervous, you take action to put yourself “out-there” you grow. Win or lose, there is always something to gain.

Lastly, to all the men & women who read this … I want to leave you with a sentimental thought … surprise those incredible people in your life that you care about. Make them feel special and start doing the things for them that nobody would truly take the effort or time to do. It goes a long way.

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A Valentine’s Day Story

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