text: So, I'm twenty-two and haven't shared a smooch, been on a date, or even held hands with anyone? Well, I'm the one and only Maisie May Jones. I have been too busy slaying at life! Or maybe I was waiting for the perfect moment to sweep someone off their feet (or for them to sweep me off mine). I'm a Texan from Corpus Christi - the land of beautiful beaches and overgrown cowtowns. Who needs a date when you can chill at the beach with a margarita and the sun on your face? As a five-year-old, I fell in love with the art world and dreamed of becoming a famous artist someday. I spent years drawing, honing my skills, and expressing my imagination in sculptures. I set my sights on a master's program in France, known for its prestigious art schools and renowned artists. I spent months preparing my portfolio, pouring my heart and soul into my piece, hoping to catch the judges' attention and secure a coveted spot in the program. One of my favorite local hangouts is the Cowboy Coffee Company. I enjoy sipping an espresso and chatting with my best friend, Sarah-Jane. "Well, I'm feeling a bit down these days. I still haven't had my first kiss. Is it weird that I'm a late bloomer? " I asked Sarah-Jane, shrugging. Sarah-Jane replied, "Don't worry about it, Maisie. There's no timeline for these things. You'll find the right person at the right time." "I hope so. I've been focusing so much on my art that I haven't put myself out there in the dating world." Sarah-Jane smiled, "Who wouldn't be smitten by someone who can sculpt like a master? If you were a character in a romantic movie, you would be the quirky, innocent protagonist that everyone is rooting for to find love. So, no, it's not weird at all! Keep being charming, and your moment will come soon enough." "Thanks, Sarah-Jane. You always know how to cheer me up. I'll keep chasing after my dreams; maybe love will come knocking on my door (or studio) sooner than I think!" "That's the spirit! You got this, girl," She said. Two months later, the letter finally arrived, and my heart pounded as I tore open the envelope with the results. I was jumping up and down at the news that I was accepted into the program for a year. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I had to take. Reality check: there was one problem--I didn't have the funds to make it happen. Determined, I spent the entire summer at a local diner, flipping burgers and bussing tables. I worked long hours and saved every penny. My perseverance paid off, and I'm headed to Paris. I plan to get my first kiss in the city of love and light. I decided to jump into the social media pool with a splash. Ah, the woes of online dating - the struggle to find the perfect photos that capture your true self. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Let's dive in, shall we? First up, we have the classic headshot. Make sure your smile and eyes are the focus. Bonus points if you can make it look like you're not an awkward turtle in front of the camera. Practice some cheesy jokes or funny faces beforehand. Next, we have the full-body shot. Show off that body type and style, but please, for the love of all that is good and holy, make sure it's clear and well-lit. No one wants to play a game of "Guess who's in the dark." Now, onto the fun stuff--hobbies and interests. This is your chance to show off your adventurous side, your love for hiking, or your obsession with Bob Ross paintings. Whatever it may be, capture it in a photo that screams, "This is me." Last but not least, we have the photo of our furry friend. Because who doesn't love an animal? It's a surefire way to make you look approachable and friendly. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. Ensure your pet is excellent in the spotlight--we don't want any diva cats or camera-shy dogs stealing the show. After much thought and scrolling, I finally picked four images that best depict Maisie May Jones's Tinder story. The first image is a close headshot that shows Sarah-Jane and me laughing over an espresso. The second image portrays me in my element, seated and sculpting at my art table, with my hair tied up in a messy ponytail. The third image showcases my figure in a purple bikini, lounging on the beach with a cold beer. Finally, the fourth image features me riding my horse, Ziggy, in the fields at my grandmother's ranch, dressed in boots, blue jeans, and a Western shirt. So there you have it, my dear friends --a guide to choosing the perfect photos for your Tinder profile. Happy swiping! I stepped into my Parisian flat, drawn to the big windows allowing sunlight to stream in. Giselle Beauchamp, my roommate for the semester, walked in; I blanched when I saw how stunning she was. Her brunette hair was tied in a sleek bun, and her gorgeous dark eyes sparkled as she greeted me with a warm smile. She held an art palette in one hand, and the other dragged a heavy suitcase. I learned that Giselle was an incredibly talented painter who had won an art competition in New York. Her work was so impressive that it earned her a spot on the exchange student roster. "Hi, I'm Giselle," she said, flashing a warm smile. "You must be my new roommate." "Yeah, I'm Maisie," I replied, slightly intimidated by her beauty. "It's nice to meet you." Giselle and I quickly hit it off. We spent the first few days exploring the city together, and I couldn't help but open up to her about my personal life. "I've never been kissed," I confessed one night while we were out for dinner. "What? Really?" Giselle exclaimed, surprised. "Well, we'll have to change that in the city of light!" I laughed nervously. "I don't know if that's possible. I always feel like people overlook me." "Don't be silly," Giselle said, shaking her head. "You just haven't met the right person yet. And Paris is the perfect place to do it. Look at us; we're both here in an exchange program. Anything can happen." I smiled, feeling a bit more hopeful. "I guess you're right. Maybe I can rewrite my story here." "That's the spirit," Giselle said, clinking her wine glass against mine. "And who knows, maybe I can play matchmaker and set you up with a cute French guy." I laughed, feeling grateful to have such a supportive roommate. "I would love that, but I don't know how to flirt!" "Don't worry about it," Giselle said. "I'll teach you everything you need to know. By the time we leave Paris, you'll be a pro." Our flat was located in an artsy part of the city, just off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The building was old and full of character, with creaky wooden floors and details that hinted at its rich history. It was the perfect place for two young artists to call home for the semester. My social media post today reads: Hey everyone! I made a bold decision to share something personal with you all. I am twenty-two and have never been kissed. But I am ready to change that fact! I have picked a date and a location - April 21st, 2024, at the Rodin Museum in Paris. I will be waiting in front of the sculpture of 'The Thinker' one hour before closing, wearing a pink rose in my hair. It would be amazing to have someone share this special moment with me. Hope to see you there! Strolling alone down the streets of Paris, I'm very self-conscious about my height. I tower over most people, making me feel like I don't fit in. I slump over to make myself appear smaller, but it never works. My thick, wavy red hair glides down my back, contrasting sharply against my extremely fair skin. My eyes, a striking blue, stand out even more against my pale complexion. Despite my insecurities, I can't help but feel a twinge of pride for my smile. It's my best feature. I usually wear clothes that blend in with the crowd, but today is different. I'm sporting a stylish new dress I bought for spring with a floral water lily theme. The blue, green, and purple print resembles a Monet painting, hopefully attracting my first kiss. After all, Monet was a good friend of Rodin, and I plan on meeting a beau willing to kiss me in front of The Thinker. Rodin the Sculpture Garden is a beautiful outdoor space. It features a stunning collection of artwork created by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin, including some of his most famous works, The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais. The garden is designed to showcase the sculptures in a natural setting, with manicured paths, lush vegetation, and tranquil spaces. The sun was setting low in the sky, and the line to get inside was long, but I made it with ten minutes to spare. As I approached the statue, my heart picked up its pace. The Museum was busy with art lovers milling around the gardens and in the gallery. I did a three-hundred-sixty-degree turn on the spot in front of the statue, hoping to meet the man who wanted to kiss me. Was I too bold and brash in my post? Would no one come? As I stood there waiting, the statue of the Thinker came to life and spoke to me in a deep, rumbling voice. "What brings you to the Museum today, my dear?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. I was stunned by what I saw but managed to stammer out a response. "I-I'm here to see the new exhibit on modern art," I said, feeling a bit self-conscious under the scrutiny of the statue's gaze. The Thinker nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. It's quite interesting, isn't it?" he said. "But I must say, I find the classics much more fascinating. The works of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli are timeless." I couldn't help but smile at the Thinker's opinions on art. "I agree," I said. "There's something about the old masters that can't be replicated." I had more in common with a century-old statue than any real-life guy. The Thinker chuckled. "Indeed," he said. "But don't let me keep you. You don't want to miss the man you came for?" I was thinking of giving up hope, and I turned to leave; the Thinker's voice stopped me in my tracks. "But before you go, my dear, might I make a suggestion?" I turned back to face the statue, curious. "Of course," I said. "Why don't you take a moment to enjoy the beauty of this place?" the Thinker said, gesturing to the Museum's grand hall. Perhaps you'll find something even more captivating than the art." I raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what the statue meant. "What do you mean?" I asked. The Thinker leaned forward slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "A young man is waiting for you just outside the museum," he said. "He's been waiting for quite some time. If I were you, I'd go kiss him." I felt my face flush with embarrassment at the statue's words and a sense of excitement. "How did you know about that?" I asked. The Thinker merely smiled enigmatically. "I know many things," he said. "But you should hurry. He looks like he's about to leave." With that, the statue fell silent again, leaving me to wonder at the strange encounter I'd just had. But I couldn't resist the urge to go outside and see if the Thinker's words were valid. And sure enough, a young man was waiting for me, looking nervous and hopeful. As I approached him, he smiled and held out his hand. "Hey, I'm Axel Dupont," he said. "I've been waiting for you." Axel is a couple of inches taller than me and ruggedly handsome with solid features. He has soulful brown eyes that draw me to him and a head full of messy brown hair that gives him a certain charm. I took his hand and smiled back, feeling a sense of adventure and possibility. "I'm Maisie," I said. "And I think we have a date with destiny." He grinned and replied, "Definitely. Siri, play Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer." Siri complied, and the sweet melody filled the air. Axel pulled me close, and we danced under the milky twilight. He twirled me around and swung me in circles, and I felt like I was flying. As we danced, I imagined what it would be like to soar through the sky. "Do you ever wish we could fly?" I asked Axel. He chuckled. "I fly all the time; I'm a pilot. I'll take up one day soon on a sightseeing flight over Paris." Just then, he spun me around one more time and dipped me low, arching my back. My rose hair clip fell out and landed on the grass nearby. We both laughed as he helped me back up. "Looks like my friend Giselle's hairdressing skills couldn't quite withstand our dance moves," I joked. Our eyes locked, and my insides burned with heat. I giggled and leaned in for a long overdue kiss. It was time for me to experience the sweet embrace of another's lips. Axel's mouth was hot, sweet, and sexy all at once, just as I imagined it would be. The Burghers of Callais looked at The Thinker in disbelief. "What are you talking about, mate? We don't care about redheads or Monet dresses. We're here to contemplate the meaning of life," said one of the Burghers. The Thinker chuckled. "Oh, lighten up! Life's not all about thinking. Sometimes, you have to take action. And let me tell you, that young man outside was taking too long to make his move. So, I took matters into my own hands and sent the redhead to meet him." The Burghers looked at each other and shook their heads. "You're crazy, mate," said another Burgher. "But did they kiss?" asked one of the Burghers, intrigued. The Thinker grinned. "Of course they did! I have a knack for matchmaking. And wow, that kiss was worth it. They both looked like they were on cloud nine." The Burghers laughed and went back to contemplating. "Well, we'll leave the matchmaking to you, mate. We have more important things to think about," said the first Burgher. The Thinker shrugged. "Suit yourselves. But you know who to call if you ever need help with your love life."