I was out with a friend last week, and as I reflected with him on my days as a high school drama kid/punk rocker I realized something. Had I moved a social inch to the left, I would have ended up a *LARPER. In fact, the object of one of my major crushes (Mike Monson, a drama girl's dreamboat) was an avid LARPER and had he invited me to join, I'd have been at home crafting my own Medieval mace and warrior costume quicker than you could say "Ren Fair."
Of course, this led me to ponder the following: how much of who I date do I absorb? Much like Rogue from X-Men absorbs the powers of those she touches, I too take in a little something of the men I touch. I'm sure this is inevitable in all dating situations as humans typically (even if subtly) take on various nuances of people they spend a lot of time with whether or not there are any romantic inclinations. For example, I find my vocabulary "dumbed down" when I'm around certain co-workers, yet I step it up around others. Dating is no different, and while I almost ended up a LARPER for Mike Monson, I almost ended up a perfect trophy-wife with breast implants for another fellow. Clearly, I take in far too much. As with anything, awareness is the first step to overcoming affliction, and I will now strive to not be a "dating-sponge." I will be a dating-uh...what's the opposite of a sponge? Huh. There is this really smart guy I'm dating right now, maybe he knows. Which reminds me, I need to study if I'm going to be able to keep up with him. Oh wait. Grrr...this is going to be harder than I think. Maybe I should just start working on a new cloak of invisibility or something. After all, Ren Fair is only 4 months away!
*LARPER - A live action role-playing game (LARP) is a form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of player actions may be mediated by game rules, or determined by consensus among players. Event arrangers called gamemasters decide the setting and rules to be used and facilitate play.
The first LARPs were run in the late 1970s, inspired by tabletop role-playing games and genre fiction. The activity spread internationally during the 1980s, and has diversified into a wide variety of styles. Play may be very game-like, or may be more concerned with dramatic or artistic expression. Events can also be designed to achieve educational or political goals. The fictional genres used vary greatly, from realistic modern or historical settings to fantastic or futuristic eras. Production values are sometimes minimal, but can involve elaborate venues and costumes. LARPs range in size from small private events lasting a few hours to huge public events with thousands of players lasting for days.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_action_role-playing_game
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