Medusa of Love

There are certain questions I ponder all the time. Was Bruce Lee’s death accidental or a hit? Which came first: the chicken or the egg? If my life was a movie, what theme song would be playing as I walked down the street? Who named mauve mauve? What’s my superpower?

Every now and then, I come up with an answer for a question or two, and I’m satisfied for a while, until I decide there must be other valid answers. Life is a multiple choice question where all the answers can be right at any given time, after all.

Lately, I’ve been pondering superpowers again. I’m working on a book where the hero is plagued by the powers bestowed on him and, naturally, I’ve been ruminating on my own superpowers. I go back and forth about what they might be, but I think I’ve nailed it this week.

I am a Love Medusa. Come in contact with me, and your heart won’t turn to stone—it’ll be filled with love and passion.

Is it any wonder I write romance novels?

That’s so cool, you say. I wish I could spread love and passion.

Well, actually you can—and probably do. But it’s not as cool as you think. Remember the part in Spiderman about great powers coming with great responsibilities? Imagine being responsible for hearts you don’t want to be responsible for. Imagine dating if love is your superpower.

Yeah, it’s not a pretty thing. Especially since my powers are always stronger than I realize. Meaning exposure to me seems to render men insane.

Literally insane.

We’re talking the kind of insanity that makes a drunk homeless guy stagger up to you with open arms and say “I wish I had my shit together, because I’d ask you out.” Or that causes men to propose after talking to you for five minutes. Or that inspires flowers and candy and bad poetry. We're talking the kind of insanity that blinds a man into believing a disastrous first date was awesome, when really he was one punch away from a visit to the ER.

At this point, the various men I’ve been going out with—past and present—are nodding their head vehemently. (Hello, boys! Yes, I know you’re reading this.) Or else they have no idea what I’m talking about.

In either case, men, you’ve been warned. Proceed at your own risk. Tread carefully, lest you become my next victim. (Insert ominous laugh here.)

What’s your superpower? Do you know? Everyone has one, you know. Think about it. Or—heck—let’s discuss it.