Define Available
Available....what is the true definition of "available".....
Webster formally defines a·vail·a·ble as: not otherwise occupied; free to do something. Informally as: not currently involved in a sexual or romantic relationship.
But to us women, what does available actually mean...? Well, it certainly depends on who is asking, yes…
Available for what….?
Drinks?... Dinner? ....Tennis?... Skiing?... Fly fishing?... Centre Court tickets to Wimbledon?... Front row tickets to The Grammys?... A weekend getaway to Gotham?... Mexico?... Hawaii?... Pizza and a movie on a Friday night? …
In the context of asking a woman out in these modern times, confirming one’s availability is a risky bet which can land us, at worst, stranded in Hood River, Oregon with an America’s Cup sailor who has a warrant out for his arrest.
In the old days men were forced to properly plan a date, communicating their interest directly, and with conviction, over the telephone. Should the lady on the other end politely decline, an unrelenting spirit kicked in and quickly another more suitable evening or plan was offered.
These days, not so much.
A man rings up, or worse texts, with something along the lines of “Are you available on Wednesday?”
Receiving the text bomb, my eyes grow large and I can’t help but quickly toss the phone further from my body.
“Available for what???” I ask myself.
Why is it certain fully-grown and properly educated men ring up, but more than likely text, asking not for a definitive plan on a certain day, but with a text so indecipherably vague: “So, hey, you available for Tuesday night?”
As a single woman in Aspen, I’ve learned sometimes all “available” really means is to be there for your girlfriends. Available to lend an ear, a dress for a last minute date, a stiff drink in a safe place, listen to their grief, hurt, anger, frustrations, successes, and failures. Available for a fantastic day of skiing and laughter on bluebird day with perfect snow. Now to me, this is what available really means.
Respectfully submitted,
The Author.