Don't kiss the frog

July 6^th marked International Kissing Day, which didn’t really affect my daily routine in any substantial way, except that my usual Facebook feed of angry political commentary, inspirational yoga quotes and puppy content was perceptibly interspersed with chap stick ads, kiss-blowing selfies and the well-meaning encouragement (in variations) that I, too, will find my Prince Charming if I just don’t give up on kissing frogs. Here's why I take issue with this saying and the wealth of popular commentary, advice books, and dating manuals it has inspired.

Otto Ubbelohde, Der Froschkönig, ca. 1900. Picture found here.

Drama, Baby

Dear reader,

You may or may have not (but probably yeah) come across a situation in life, whether it was a casual hook-up sorta thing or a more classic (Tinder) dating scenario, where everything went smoothly, you got along great, you were, as they say, in touch with your inner goddess (sorry, I couldn't help myself), and then he went along and spoiled it all by saying that one stupid thing: "But just so you know, babe, I really don't want any drama!"

Melpomene, the Greek Muse of tragedy, with the mask of a weeping (male) face.
Picture found here.