Dear 18-year-old Ginger,
I know everyone else has been asked to the prom. I know that the guy you were hoping would ask you has asked your friend. I know how crummy this feels, but I want you to go ahead and ask one of your guy friends. Even though he isn’t going to show up until 10 p.m., it’s going to be okay. But do not, I repeat, do not wait for him to arrive. Do not stand outside your senior prom waiting to go in for over an hour. Have fun. It’s okay. A date isn’t a requirement to enjoy the dance or, for that matter, anything else this life has to offer. Go and get your groove on.
Love,
Today’s Ginger
That’s the opening of chapter 1 in Forget the Corsage. I don’t want to give away the whole story, but you get the idea. The guy I liked wasn’t available so I determined to make the most of the situation. I was going to dress to the nines, take a friend, and dance the night away. I might have also envisioned a few dances with my crush. I was mildly convinced that he was going to take one look at me and realize he had made the wrong decision. I also might have seen one too many romantic comedies in the late ‘90s. How do you watch “She’s All That” or “10 Things I Hate About You” and not expect to get the guy in the end? Anyone with me?
I mean. Take a look at that two-piece dress. I even went shopping in another city so I wouldn’t have the same dress as anyone else.
My expectations for the evening were pretty far-fetched, but I hung my hopes on the books and movies that filled my mind and imagination. There’s nothing wrong with fantasy, until we let it eclipse our reality.
I was talking to a dear friend about that very fact this weekend. She mentioned how she had to turn a movie off to preserve her contentment. It may seem a small gesture, but I completely agree with the method. We have to know our buttons and triggers.
For years Ever After was my mess-up movie. It’s a Cinderella story, and I would absolutely lose it every time I watched Drew Barrymore’s character get rescued. The movie left me in a heartsick state for days! Movies may not mess you up, but I know a lot of women who can’t watch romantic comedies without feeling depressed when they end. Certain movies, books, and TV shows only serve to bring on heartache. Be strong enough to recognize when your entertainment isn’t entertaining but hurting. (Forget the Corsage, Chapter 5)
This week I’m sharing passages and thoughts from Forget the Corsage. To celebrate the release I’m also going to be giving away two e-book versions in a giveaway – winner to be announced next Monday!
There’s a rafflecopter entry below with three easy ways to enter each day.
- Leave a comment on the blog post answering the question of the day.
- Tweet or FB post a link to the giveaway.
- Pin this pic of the book on Pinterest!
That’s it! One lucky winner will win two books.
Question for Tuesday: Do you have a mess-up movie or book? What is it?
Following,
Ginger
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