 "Photo: Liquid Library")
There's a scene in "A Lot Like Love" when Ashton Kutcher's character, Oliver, comes to the rescue of Amanda Peet's character, Emily, on New Year's Eve. Just when she thinks that she'll be one of the unfortunates with no one to kiss at the stroke of midnight, Oliver arrives just in time to save her.
For those of you who haven't seen the movie, Oliver and Emily are just friends at the time of the kiss. The rest of the film shows Oliver continuing to bail Emily out of unlucky dating situations and vice versa, both not demanding anything in return.
I want a relationship similar to theirs. More specifically, I want an Oliver.
Oliver is like having a guy best friend, but that's not what I need. The "best friend" label sort of complicates things. The title entails commitment and responsibility. A guy best friend would feel obliged to do something for me because he wouldn't want to hurt my feelings if he should decline. However, my Oliver wouldn't be compelled to and he'd know that I wouldn't be offended.
There are some points to clarify. First of all, a relationship with an Oliver would have similar qualities as a relationship between friends with benefits, except in my case, it would be sans benefits. Why would I want that? Especially if I can get kisses and hugs for free, no strings attached? Isn't that what everybody wants?
Not for me. I'm one of the few who still argues and believes that a close relationship between a guy and a girl can exist without a sexual attraction. I know that there mght be at least a tinge of an attraction, but it wouldn't have to go into effect. It's not because we don't want to ruin the friendship; it's because we're attracted to each other's intellect, character, personality and presence, not just each other's physical features.
Wouldn't that be sort of a soul mate, then? Perhaps. But a soul mate sounds like you can never break away from the person and that you have to stick with them forever.
My Oliver would also have to look good. Go ahead and blame it on my vanity and selfishness. I'm not sorry for it. I won't apologize for wanting someone who takes care of himself and understands that how he presents himself is extremely important. It's the first thing people base their impressions on. I can't accept an Oliver who possesses the first four major elements that are essential to this relationship, then have him look like a rat.
This relationship wouldn't be a one-way street, either. For it to be effective, I should be able to do what he'd do for me, too. If he doesn't want to spend his Saturday night regurgitating his dinner in a bar's bathroom, I'll come over with my Scrabble board or a stack of video games (Mario Kart Wii, preferably). If he doesn't have anyone to watch the game with, I'll be there (except I'll probably be painting my nails or asking him to guide me through the game).
Doesn't this sound great? The problem is, I doubt that such a guy exists anymore. If he does, I'm sure he's gay - that's the Oliver twist, ladies. But I will stay optimistic and keep looking anyway. Or hope that he finds me, because New Year's Eve is fast approaching.
-Kathryn Danganan is a communication senior.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
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