It's been said many times before, but love at DePauw is hard to find. It's nothing against DePauw guys, but they just don't know how to treat a lady. There are too many strange social norms constricting our predominantly hookup-based dating culture.
When you have a thing with someone, you pre-game with them and their bros, and you come over every night their fraternity has a party. You make out with them on the dance floor to an overplayed pop song. And if you end up in their cold dorm bed, consider yourself wooed.
You should probably expect to have your name announced at chapter, but don't expect dinner and a movie, even though Ashley Square is now free. I've had three years to learn this culture, and frankly, I've never been a fan.
To me, that's one fruit that's just not worth harvesting. Personally, I've come to prefer my produce a little more...ripe.
Yes, DePauw, I'll admit it. I've got a fetish. A fetish for older men.
They take initiative and approach you, instead of standing against the wall, watching you like a lion stalks its prey. They're not afraid to tell you how they feel, and they don't hide behind text messages like a middle-schooler. If you want to get to know this Leo, please do not text me "U comin over 2nite?"
They tell you when you look beautiful and would never refer to you as a "slampiece." They'll buy you a drink and converse with you, instead of pouring endless shots from behind a bar they built in their parents' garage last summer.
The worst part is that most DePauw girls don't even realize what they could have. I only just found out over Winter Term, when I went to Cuba and was romanced by a Latin lover.
His name is Alejandro, and his game was flawless. Tall, dark and handsome - he had it all (blue eyes included). He could salsa and didn't even know what the word "grinding" meant. He respected me. At 29-years-old, he had enough experience to say what I needed to hear.
We talked about everything, from the meaning of life to the beauty of friendship. It was wonderful to learn about him beyond just a story of his last boulder run.
Our love affair ended far too soon, but our romance continues on. It didn't fade away when Monday morning hit, and his constant emails and affection are a beautiful reminder of what is possible with romance.
Part of what makes older men so much more appealing is how taboo it is. The forbidden aspect makes it even better. Because when it's so wrong, it just feels right.
Maybe one day, our DePauw tadpoles will grow into the princely frogs that every woman deserves. But in the meantime, I'll reread Alejandro's love letters and check out all your dads on dad's weekend.
- Dickman is a senior from Zionsville, Ind. majoring in English writing.
