Thursday, Oct. 01, 2009

Why this is a great season to fall in love

Let’s steam up the windows and scoop some pumpkin guts.

OK, so fall doesn’t necessarily make for the best pickup lines.

Now that the date-wooing power of your backyard swimming pool has expired, you might be feeling a little lost on the local meet market.

I don’t blame you.

With its focus on bare skin and romantic flings, summer has overt dating appeal.

And fall?

On the surface, the season greets daters with nothing but the realization you’ll soon have to face family gatherings with relatives who love to ask why you’re still single.

Luckily, it’s not that bad.

The nightlife scene is packed with fall events — beginning with the return of the Uptown Concert Series, held Fridays on the 1100 block of Broadway in downtown Columbus.

In fact, I think fall has more relationship potential than summer.

Here’s why:

FOOTBALL

You like to wear oversized jerseys on Saturdays? Me too! Let’s hook up.

Sometimes it really is that simple.

Football season, rich in team spirit and cheap beer, has potential to downplay the picky differences that impair relationships during the remainder of the year.

It also makes for some really good wink-accompanied references to scoring.

HALLOWEEN

We’re just weeks away from sharing our party universe with scantily clad pirates and police officers.

That night alone exceeds the appeal of any August pool party.

You have the freedom to literally wear your passion for zombies on your sleeve — without worrying the overbearing sunshine will smear your goth makeup.

COOLER TEMPERATURES

Congratulations, you’ll no longer be forced to make stimulating conversation while drowning in a pool of back sweat.

The onset of sweater-friendly weather means your first impression won’t be marred by the presence of unsightly body hair. And that’s good for everyone involved.

THE HOLIDAYS

Summer has no focus on relationship longevity. At best, you’ll vow to stay together through July 4 — with an exit strategy.

Fall is a different story.

With its proximity to romance-heavy holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the season exudes an emphasis on serious relationships. Play your cards correctly and you might stay together through Valentine’s Day.

PRIMETIME TV

By no means am I recommending you use the new “Melrose Place” as a first-date conversation starter.

However, a slew of new primetime shows reminds us of the affordable appeal of the at-home TV date.

Which is always a good alternative to, say, seducing each other with pumpkin guts.

ContactSonya Sorichat ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516.