Dating 101 - Leap Year

Against my better judgment, I’ve decided to go ahead with the romantic comedy experiment (henceforth known as the RCE). Realizing that my natural cynicism may get in the way, at the suggestion of a friend I’ve decided to watch them with my trusted female guide Kelly Garmin. The first movie I watched for the RCE was Leap Year, starring Amy Adams and some Irish Guy. Not in the stack of movies loaned me by the boss-ladies, it is a favorite of my little sister’s. I think she likes looking at Ireland (where the movie takes place), and I think I like looking at Amy Adams.

Yes... yes I do.

Amy Adams plays a doe-eyed, red-headed (therefore: Irish) young woman who is tired of waiting on her boyfriend of four years to propose. This is accentuated when at their anniversary dinner he gives her a ring box with earrings in it. He then suddenly exits to perform emergency surgery or something, because that’s what jerk boyfriends in movies do. Next thing we know, he’s flying off to Ireland for a conference. Amy Adams decides to follow him there to take advantage of a tradition that allows the woman to propose on February 29. Of course, it’s never that easy, and she ends up traversing the Irish countryside with a scruffy Irish rogue. I won’t spoil the ending… she ends up with the Irish guy.

The movie did have a few surprises. For example, my favorite character was Louis.

Originally cast as Edward in "Twilight," but his schedule didn't allow

 It was also fairly instructive. Here’s a sample of what I learned:

If you wait long enough, she’ll propose to you.

Kelly Garmin: False – If you wait too long, she’ll dump you and go off in search of a scruffy Irish rogue.

Being a scruffy Irish rogue can’t hurt.

KG: True – Such men are irresistible. The trick is maintaining the right scruff to Irish-ness ratio.

When giving a gorgeous, rich woman a car ride, be sure to make it as hellish as possible. She’ll love you for it.

KG: False – You should always be a gentleman. Also, always listen to your GPS, as she will never steer you wrong.

Chicks dig a guy who can cook… and snap a chicken’s neck with his bare hands.

KG: True – Women like a man who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. However, using the words “chick” and “chickens” in the same sentence, where one of them is getting her neck snapped, is inadvisable.

Someday, I hope someone tells me, “Damn it man, kiss the girl!”

KG: Don’t we all – At the rate you’re going, it may take that.

Crashing weddings can be a good bonding experience.

KG: True – Women enjoy outings that are more imaginative and spontaneous than the traditional dinner and a movie.

Chicks dig a guy who can square dance (so I’ve got that going for me).

KG: False – We just act that way because we enjoy laughing at you.

Never stand too close to a drunk girl if you like your shoes.

KG: True – Some things just go without saying. However, if you know you’re going to be standing near drunk girls, plan ahead and wear rubber boots for easier clean-up.