Love at First Bite

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According to a 2010 research study conducted by Chadwick Martin Bailey on behalf of Match.com, 1 in 6 marriages  since 2007 met through an online dating service.  If you count all committed relationships, this percentage jumps to 1 in 5.  I personally know quite a few couples who have been introduced through technology.

When this phenomenon first appeared, there was a slight stigma, a blush of response.  I remember asking a friend from another town where she met her new boyfriend (now husband).  She looked down and spoke with hushed tones into a hand that covered her mouth.  

“What?”  I asked loudly to coax her into a more audible tone, “You met through an escort service?”  

“NO!” She blared and then still in a hushed tone, but directed more my way, she said a bit more boldly, “We met through an online dating service.”

As more matches are made in heaven cyberspace, there is less stigma. 

Mr. Muscle and I met the old fashioned way, sans technology, in college.   We first set eyes on each other at a retreat held off campus for the student governing boards of our respective dormitories (uni-sex dorms, not co-ed).  The focus of the retreat was to learn parliamentary procedure (*yawn*).

It was late Friday afternoon, when two girlfriends and I arrived in a lime green Ford Fairlane.  The boys were playing flag football.  I immediately took notice of a handsome guy wearing an orange Tennessee Vol’s mesh football jersey.  The Tom Selleck chest and moustache were both heart stopping.  It was a nice sight to enjoy for the moment and then I went about unpacking.

(Side note:  Girls, hairy chests used to be very appealing.  I still find them so and am mystified by the need to ‘manscape.’)

Later in the evening, after dinner, we played ice-breaker games.  One of these games included a Caller (or leader) naming two body parts, then boys and girls paired to connect the body part.  I know that sounds a little suggestive, but it was platonic.  Toe-to-knee, would involve one person placing a toe on another person’s knee.

After touching, you introduce yourself to your partner. 

When nose-to-ankle was called out, Mr. Tennessee (a.k.a future Mr. Muscle), found his way over to me.  He kneeled down and BIT my ankle.  That unexpected nibble got my attention!  When I remember it, my heart still skips a beat and goosebumps reappear.  

I never knew how sensitive the skin around my ankle was until that moment.

Although there was an immediate physical attraction, as we got to know each other better, we found we had spiritual chemistry and common life goals.  Plus, he loved to make jokes and I loved to laugh at them.

Even during the times of struggle in our marriage, remembering those sweet times of our budding romance gives me reason to persevere.

Whether you met your spouse virtually or in reality, it’s good to remember the butterflies of your new beginning.

"While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess.  When Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban his mother's brother and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, Jacob went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.  Then Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted his voice and wept," Genesis 19:9-11.   

Have you ever found inspiration through remembering your butterflies of new beginnings?

And will someone please explain for me the trend of grooming male chests of all their hair?