The Iceberg Model

So those of you who would know a bit about science or would have watched Titanic must be aware of the fact that just the tip of the iceberg is visible over the ocean; 80% of the iceberg is under water. The 'Iceberg Model' is used in a number of business strategies. It can be applied in the modern day dating context too. Only 20% of the potential dates are visible to the virtual eye (online apps and all); 80% is hidden. And 80% of men are primarily targeting that tip. Where is the rest 80%? Under the water, there are different layers. Girls would firstly prefer to date someone in their friend circle if he meets the prerequisite criteria because they know them well. If that is not possible then comes office colleagues or people they know from offline spaces like gym, common hobby classes etc.  Then is the potential dates via mutual friends as the trust factor is established via the friend, and then there is another layer in the iceberg.

Anyway, coming to the muse of the blog post. I recently found the mecca of the blog content, a cafe walking distance my place. It has everything which a bar can offer me, only better. A number of people come by themselves to read a book or work on a laptop. It is easier to converse (no loud music). The number of conversation starters are a lot more, striking a conversation is much more easier. The best part is that I don't have to passively smoke in the smoking room.  She was sitting on the table next to me. My first observation wasn't her luscious curly hair, or her gorgeous looks or her shades, but her chic shoes. The shoes were flat sole cotton sneakers with holes for for laces but no laces. I started the conversation by jokingly inquiring about her shoes (humour always works). As we got talking, I got to know that she's a film maker who has done a number of popular projects. She had to leave for a meeting, so we exchanged numbers to stay in touch.

Following the six- hour rule, I sent her a text just casually to exchange greetings. I didn't get a reply, and was quite disappointed as I actually totally loved our interaction. At around 2 in the night, I got a call from her. She told me that she had back to back meetings so couldn't revert and is not into texting. She was planning to come for a drive by the sea and wanted to know if I wanted to catchup over coffee.

I was up and it was a two minutes walk so readily agreed. She reached in half an hour and we parked the car by the sea. Coming from an engineering backdrop in India, talking to her was quite a refreshing change. She has made the shows and films whose protagonist I aspired to be all my life.  As we got talking, I got to know so much more knowledge about a completely diverse field. She had so much more knowledge and wisdom than me with respect to every sphere of life. Just after a few hours, I felt a connection which I have never experienced with any girl all my life. She is probably one of the coolest people I have ever come across in my life.

So, is this it? Is this the sea I was missing all my life? Is the quest finally successful?

Well, I earlier said, there is another layer in the iceberg. It is the deepest layer, the women who are in a relationship/ marriage going through a rough phase. They are looking for an escape from their tiring lives to get a fresh perspective and think out of the box. Either way, I will always cherish that night.

Later,
Sidhant