text: For lack of a better term, he had the powerful gift of ‘pitching woo’. He could make just about any woman fall for him. Once they were smitten, he owned their heart, lock and key. I’d love to tell you he never misused this incredible power of persuasion, but that wouldn’t be true. It was too easy to bat his eyes seductively. He would smile and turn on the charm without even consciously realizing it was taking place. It came naturally from his innate magnetism. The ladies may have realized he was just a deadly heartbreaker, but they were still largely unable to resist his masculine appeal. The shameless woo he pitched their way was too tantalizing and irresistible. They sucked it up like warm sunshine. In exchange, he reaped the rewards of their loving favors, whether it be carnal or financial. Somehow he managed to court or seduce dozens of ladies without incurring the wrath of the others. He could sweet-talk his way out of scorn and numerous occasions of feminine fury. Then one day, he met her. She could pitch woo too. As a matter of fact, she was his equal in every regard. Guys tripped themselves over her. They fought desperately for her attention; and desired her affection to a feverish level which bystanders would’ve considered to be sheer madness. She was no fool. She used the considerable advantages that fate and genetics afforded her, whenever possible. It was the natural order of things. When they met, both were drawn to the unusual challenge of a mirror opposite. The rewards of pitching woo always came so easily to them in the past. Suddenly they faced a suitor who was fully impervious to those polished charms. It required an unorthodox, original approach to penetrate their opponent’s smooth exterior. The mutual seduction was stimulating. He was handsome and charming. She was demure and beautiful. He was extra witty and becoming. She was extraordinarily sassy, clever and cute. They were both ‘at the top of their games’ but neither of them had much experience at being truly sincere and open. That takes both practice and real humility. The two shiniest apples in the basket are definitely the most tempting but that’s no guarantee they are also the best tasting. For the first time ever, the two of them had to use real interpersonal skills and observation. He wanted to get to know her. To really hear her hopes and dreams. She thought he was amazing and hoped he would ask her out on an actual, old-fashioned date. It was awkward, like real first meetings are supposed to be when you aren’t comfortable or experienced. It was the first time in their lives where the feelings were sincere, innocent, and mutual. They were incredibly giddy. They had nervous butterflies in their stomachs. When seduction is mutual, it’s love. Both of them underwent a personal metamorphosis. He lost his eternal confidence. She couldn’t read his mysterious mood. For the first time in their lives, they had to rely on blind hope and true sincerity to win the other’s untamed heart. He was happy in her presence. She floated on the clouds when he was by her side. They were beside themselves and inseparable (when they were literally beside themselves). In the perfect turn of events, both of these aimless souls learned the essential importance of being totally honest, earnest, and sincere.