VICTIMS OF SPRING FEVER

BY ARIANNE MATTE

pring is here! Blooming flowers, budding trees, loving couples; love is in the air. Spring does seem to bring a contagious desire in people to fire up their flames. While I was in Europe with about a hundred students from around the world at an international symposium, I saw many examples of this spring bug.

At first, we just got to know one another, but the moment we hit March 21, couples started forming. Coincidence? I think not. Maybe Paris added romance to the whole thing, but I think spring exercised its influence on these kids just to make a point.

When I came back, one of my friends had a bombshell of gossip to drop on me. Less than a week after the official arrival of spring, two separate young men expressed an interest in beginning a beautiful friendship with her. Coincidence? I think not. Maybe the fact that, soon our school year is over spiced up the situation, but spring definitely had a hand in this one.

Two weekends ago, I learned two of my good friends, who dated a little in high school, have decided to rekindle their fire. I should have guessed. Spring brings renewal and rebirth, which is what happened with their relationship. Coincidence? I think not!

All these tales of romance and love are endearing, but Spring also brings a second, longer, Valentine's Day-like quest for a soul-mate. The pressure is on. After being cooped up inside our houses, inside our winter clothes, we northern-dwellers rush out into the warmth of spring like ravenous beasts ready for conquest.

We dash outside planning our gardens and our pools all the while still half-expecting a snowfall to ruin our fun in the sun. I do not know of anyone who is not happy to see spring arrive --except my brother and his fellow skiers who are longing for a chillier season. The rest of the sun-worshippers, however, display their joy: hormones popping out like crocuses from under a blanket of snow.

Another friend of mine testified to feeling awfully low during February and beginning of March. As the snow started to melt, she felt much better and her relationship with her boyfriend flourished. They are much more open now, she claims, much more comfortable with each other.

I, too, am enjoying spring, but in a different manner. I am enjoying the blossoming scenery, the longer days, that in a couple of weeks I have a four months hiatus from school. I suppose I am simply not a romantic. In truth, if not for the lovely weather, I would stay indoors, for fear the love-bug bite would infect me with this disease going around.

Some people might say I criticize loving couples because I envy them. Who, me? Jealous? As if I want to run around, looking for the perfect mate or at least someone to have a long, decent conversation with. I have better things to do than find a kindred spirit. Spring flings are not my style.

This spring, I plan to read more books, write more songs, talk to more people, volunteer more time. It may not be better than love but it is certainly equally commendable. I suppose spring has had a beneficial effect on me after all. The spring spirit has just claimed another victim.

There is no escaping it. Spring is here.