One of the more romantic memories I have of the beaches off the naval base where I was stationed was of the double date PJ (my training buddy), his girlfriend, me, and some girl I can hardly remember other than she was... definitely not anorexic... and in love with what little surfing could be had there. Nobody had cars at the time so we all walked, late in the afternoon, to the beach expecting to just sit in the sand and watch the waves come in. Every now and then we would WOW the girls with chatter about the different aircraft coming off the stack over the ocean for approaches to the runway. The topic eventually came up for us to do some surfing. I was quietly asked, "I know a shop nearby that rents boards. Do you want to hang ten with me?"

With her? I didn't care what we did together so long as it was together. But, unfortunately, my smiling face blew all my chances with her forever. I asked, "Hang ten what?"

End of romantic afternoon.