Dating at BYU as Told by Pictures at Wells

"Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth... And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, he is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep...
"And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept." Genesis 29:1-11 KJV

TLDR: While Rachel goes to water her father's flocks, Jacob sees her, kisses her, and goes home with her to discuss marriage with her father.

I feel that I was destined to be a bible nerd.

  • Growing up, I was well educated in the Old and New Testaments, and having the name Rachel, I always personalized the story which starts in Genesis 29. When Jacob is forced to marry Leah instead of Rachel, I always feel for Rachel first, even though Leah really got the short end of the stick. 
  • One of my relationships started when upon meeting a guy named Jacob, instead of saying "Hi, my name's Rachel," I said "We're married in the bible." 
  • And because of the story of Rachel meeting her husband at a well, I developed the habit of taking pictures at wells as if I'm looking for a husband. I'm a nerd. I know.

So, as to further align my personal life with biblical precedents, here's my description of dating at BYU as told by pictures of me at wells:

#1. When a New Semester Starts and Campus Seems Full of New Opportunities
Arad, the Holy Land
You feel tiny compared to the large dating pool out there, but hey, that means there's plenty of chances to meet new people. Exciting right?

#2. After Getting to See the Options, But You're Pretty Sure None Are a Good Fit
The Roman Forum, Rome, Italy
The excitement of the large dating pool dwindles away after constant experiences of being interested in people who aren't interested in you, and people pursuing you who you know aren't good matches.

#3. Being Discouraged and Questioning if You're Looking in the Right Places
Ostia Antiqua, Rome, Italy
Maybe you should stop waiting around for random guys to hit on you in the basement of the Library? Maybe get out and be more social? Maybe stop dating everyone in an apartment in a month?

#4. Frustratingly Deciding to Just Give Up Looking and Wait for Someone to Find You
Atrium Vestae, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy
"I'm done. Dating sucks and if someone is interested in me, he/she can come find me."

#5. Realizing that #4 Is Really Boring
Thermae Caracalla, Rome, Italy
"JK. This whole waiting around thing isn't working."

#6. Being Close to Starting a Relationship, When He/She Shuts Down All Communication
Lachish, the Holy Land
So close, but yet so far.

#7. Wondering if Your Dream Man/Woman Got Lost
Beersheba, the Holy Land
 "HELLO DOWN THERE?"

#8. Finally Chilling Out Because Whatever Happens Will Happen
Eleusis, Greece
Cause, you know what? You're awesome.

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