Respectfully, You’re Not the Prize
The Worst Boyfriend Ever Awards (A Retrospective in Poor Judgment and Tap Water) There should be an awards night for this sort of thing. A red carpet. A panel of judges. A solemn host who takes it all very seriously while announcing categories like “Most Unwarranted Confidence in a Mediocre Man” and “Lifetime Achievement in Missing the Point.” Because when you really think about it, some relationships aren’t tragic, they’re just… deeply, hilariously underwhelming. Like ordering sparkling water and being handed a lukewarm glass of tap with a lemon wedge that looks like it’s seen things. Let’s begin there. You say, politely, “I’d love some water.” What you mean is: chilled, maybe sparkling, maybe in a glass that hasn’t been emotionally compromised. What you receive: tap water. Room temperature. No apology. No awareness. Just vibes. And that’s the moment, in hindsight, where you should’ve stood up, adjusted your imaginary tuxedo, and said: “I’m so sorry...