Reality check

Today has been one of those days... One of those days where everything seems to go against you. I should have realised that after it was raining this morning and I couldn't go running, or after I spilled tea over myself, or even after I forgot I'd run out of milk for my breakfast... Small things, adding up to a generally unlucky day. 

But I did try to see my friends in Paris to cheer myself up, only to forget my umbrella, become very wet and then get off at the wrong metro stop, and get briefly lost. After my train home was cancelled and I had to wait another 40 minutes, I was pretty much ready to crawl into a dark corner. 

So I treated myself to a Starbucks to cheer myself up (white mochas do that for me), and the very nice man serving me also helped a great deal... It wasn't until afterwards I realised he'd put a little smiley face on the side of my cup (and managed to spell my name right, unlike any French person, ever). It was enough to put a smile on my face and improve my day. Little things make a huge difference, and I almost wish I could have gone back to thank him.

But then I ruined things for myself... I'm a little bit of a romantic. It comes from watching far too many Disney films when I was younger, and reading about too many Heathcliffs and Mr Darceys. So a little thought crept in and I thought that maybe, just maybe, there might be a number on the bottom. Of course, upon looking, I was sorely disappointed. I scolded myself immediately, annoyed that I always seem to allow my romanticised view of people and life to replace reality. 

But then I stopped- why was it so unbelievable that somebody might actually do something sweet like that? Since it's been pointed out to me (several times, by several different friends) that I have an overly romanticised outlook on life, I have tried to be more realistic. But why can't reality include little special 'movie' moments? Why can't people just think of sweet little gestures? I'm not talking about this particular time- he might not have even wanted to give me his number. But the point is- why should I lower my expectations? If I'm capable of being a bit of a hopeless romantic, surely someone else out there also thinks the same way?

It's true that I dream of meeting someone in a library, seeing them through the shelves like in that advert, or bumping into someone who helps me pick up my books. Or, yeah, even finding someone's number on the bottom of a Starbucks cup. I'm aware that the chances of these things happening, are slim- unless I become an actress and then all my dreams will (sort of) come true. I do need a reality check, because otherwise I know that everything will seem like a disappointment.

However, I don't think it's wrong that I hold out hope for a time when my daydreams might actually become real; I think it's holding onto hope that the future is all rosy-coloured, and it gives me faith in other people and a positive outlook on life. Sure, sometimes I'm disappointed. But regardless of whether these hopes come true, I'm constantly ready for something to come around the corner, and to be pleasantly surprised when my expectations come true.