By Baron Baik
As a loyal reader of the Student Corner, I've had the privilege of reading entries spanning such noble causes as patriotism, personal improvement and social development.
If I may, I would like to promote a topic of my own. Perhaps not as virtuous as the typical content, but to the student, notable in its own right: the ridiculous assumption that people such as myself are friendly for one reason alone: to obtain a boyfriend or girlfriend. Look at my picture: I'm not the type to chase or be chased by girls.
One fine day, I was in the park with an acquaintance who observed couples out for an afternoon stroll.
He asked me: ``How do you feel when you see these couples?'' ``Good, I suppose. I'm happy they're enjoying the day.'' ``Don't lie!''
Don't lie? What was that supposed to mean?
He told me how he felt lonely and how he wanted a girlfriend. He was envious of the couples. Understandable, people do feel lonely. What I did not understand was his skepticism when I told him that I felt good. An isolated incident? Hardly.
An exchange student wanted me to accompany him as he met some other exchange students who happened to be females of a similar age.
He inquired: ``Are you excited?'' ``Sure.'' ``Why?'' ``It's not everyday I get to learn about a new culture.'' ``Don't lie!''
Apparently, my idea of making new friends and bandying ideas was ``an excuse'' for my ``hidden objective'' which was obviously identical to his: to evaluate and impress these girls.
I was moderately surprised by his conclusion. Moderation, however, became untenable when my relatives unanimously agreed with his attitude, ridiculing my own, saying, you guessed it: ``Don't lie.''
During a social function, I small-talked with many people who I had never met before. I shared interesting conversations with some decent people. At the evening's end, a classmate probed: ``Did you get any phone numbers?'' ``Was I supposed to?'' ``Don't lie!''
Somebody asks about my friend: ``What do you think about her?'' ``She's reliable, a good friend.'' ``Don't lie!''
Un momento! I recognize the trend. I am being asked about females who are of a similar age: ``What about my other female friends of a similar age?'' ``The ugly ones don't count.'' ``Ouch.''
It's safe to say the average Korea Times reader can understand the central theme.
I don't mind joking with my friends about girlfriends or lack thereof. They know my heart and its intentions. I don't mind my parents' hints of finding a future wife.
They merely want to ensure my contentment and their supply of grandchildren. I also don't mind when others repeatedly exclaim ``Don't lie.'' I have no secrets and I try to be honest. When I'm wrong, I show accountability. I can't control what others think.
So what do I mind?
I mind when my mom tells me a lady from church ``caught'' me downtown ``courting'' some female of similar age. Believe me, this happens enough. The ``church lady'' has a way with words and my mom is very innocent.
Do you know how long it takes for me to assure my mother that the mystery girl was a genuine friend or in most cases, my cousin?
It's funny how the church lady and other informants only notice when I'm with females of a similar age. I wonder where the binoculars were when I was on the town with older female friends.
The story would be better if I was a gigolo. How about younger female friends: wouldn't it be alarming if I were robbing society's cradle, venturing towards sex-offender-land? Male friends? My Calvinist parents would have a field day if I were a pink panther. Why not report any of those cases?
I'd like to think I'm simpler than the average bear. I try to be equally friendly to all, males and females, because to me, it's the right thing to do.
I won't lie, some females catch my attention and to them, I try to make it obvious. That's just how I am.
If I'm not so obvious, chances are it's because I like making friends, not girlfriends.
Baron Baik is an Electrical Engineering Senior at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho.