Dating
By: Shariq Ansari

I am human, and therefore, throughout my life I must face certain challenges, 
whether they are internal or external.  I am not allowed to date.  For me, this 
is an internal battle as well as an external one; internal because of the 
frustration I felt, and external because I had to deal with the norm that kids 
should date, and the idea of the separation of sexes in my religion.

Throughout high school, it was commonplace to see couples everywhere; no matter 
where I looked, I saw people holding hands, staring into each other's eyes, and 
generally having fun with their significant other.  

Sometimes it was very sickening, as my locker in particular was surrounded with 
googley-eyed couples, and most of the time I felt like screaming out, "Get a 
room!" to the entire world.  Some of my likeminded friends would post signs on 
their lockers that read, "Make-Out Free Zone."

But at the same time, I was also incredibly frustrated and depressed, because I 
felt as though I was missing out on so many things.  Bus rides during trips were 
terrible; sitting in a two-seater by one's self is not fun.  Even worse: I never 
went to my junior and senior proms, nor did I ever go to parties.  

When I would tell people that I wasn't going to the prom, they would give me a 
look that was a mix of horror and incredulity.  "Why not?!" they would ask.  
When I told them that I wasn't allowed to, they would give me condolences as if 
a loved one had died.  

Yet, despite all of this, a strange duality existed.  It seemed as though I 
always had the right advice when it came to relationships.  I, the one without 
any experience, was the guidance counselor of the bunch.   So I looked at these 
people, many of them my friends, and saw that they were happy and sad with their 
girlfriends or boyfriends, and then I looked at myself and saw a lonely young 
man with all the answers.  

That was my battle through high school, and I won it my becoming the "older 
brother" figure, helping my friends with their problems.  I don't get depressed 
about my situation anymore, because, while I still can't date, I've found a 
different way to connect to people.