I have a friend who, according to him, still has my name on his phone saved as “Christy OChem.” Like the name suggests, we met in our organic chemistry class. The both of us still have fond memories of that class, because nothing brings people together like a tough distillation lab, and through it I’d made an irreplaceable friend.

We don’t see each other often, but when we do the time is of the utmost quality. We grab coffee or a simple meal, all the while sharing thoughts and musings on our lives and the universe.

One time I distinctly remember us discussing the perils of being an old fashioned romantic.

At our core, we enjoyed the thought of a one true love. We dreamed of it even, picturing the day where we’d meet our person through the likes of fate and destiny. We may enjoy handwritten letters or keep sentimental objects like ticket stubs or little knickknacks from a first date. We enjoy the way someone smiles and the sound of their laughter.

We keep our word. Our loyalty is constant and true. We believe that somewhere out there, amongst the sea of people, there is a single person who is right for us. And when we meet them, we will know.

But sometimes, it seems like the modern world is not made for people like us. Things are not like what they used to be. Though we may fancy swiping here and there, making an account for fun, or spontaneously talking to a stranger at a bar, it doesn’t pique our interest like it should.

We still hope for something genuine.

---

I was nursing a terrible hangover this past weekend and needed something to drown out the mess in my head. The silence and white noise in my room became deafening. My favorite TV show, filled with comedic antics and the occasional yelling, didn’t help much either. So I turned to the wonderful world of a good classical tune.

When the world (or in my case, my head) gets too loud and boisterous, classical music can be a soothing remedy. Some may vouch for silence but to be honest, lack of noise freaks me out. To each their own, but if you’re like me and you enjoy at least some type of friendly background noise, a good classical album doesn’t hurt. Since it is February and I must pay homage to St. Valentine, today’s pick is Andre Rieu’s Romantic Moments album.

These songs may seem familiar, yet unheard of. They may make you feel like Kiera Knightley frolicking through a meadow in lace and bodice. Likewise, you may feel like Benedict Cumberbatch or James McAvoy, gallantly riding on a horse to your lover’s tower. Or even better, waltzing with the prince (or princess).

Rieu’s violin playing is spectacular – there is a firm reason why this man has maintained his career up until now. A personal favorite is Track 15, “Aus der Neuen Welt”: 2. Largo. It’s slightly melancholic with a courageous undertone, which may or may not lead to some deep afterthought.