It seemed to be an epidemic this year. The one thing about as popular as Christmas trees and Santa this year seemed to be engagements. I even heard a joke going around that everyone was getting sick or getting engaged.

And yes, I was one of those girls hijacking the family spotlight. So here I am crossing into another phase of life. A few months ago, I wrote a column about how much I hated change, and that’s still true for the most part. This is probably one of those rare moments when that’s not true. Granted, I’m not promising there won’t be a freak-out sooner or later.

I’ve always been a bit of a romantic. There were dalliances in romantic books and movies, but the example that always stood out to me was Pride and Prejudice. Yes, yes, I know, my Mr. Darcy crush is a bit cliché. But unlike most of the women out their dreaming of their own Mr. Darcy, I’ve sat through several lectures on the subject while at State. My professor, Dr. Claggett, loved to point out just how creepy Darcy was throughout the whole three-volume novel.

Okay creepy is a strong word. But Darcy has been greatly romanticized in pop culture. He is not the friendliest person, nor is he an extremely charismatic character. Darcy’s appeal grows after you get to know him. He is a giving person. He’s a loving person. It just takes a lot for him to get to that point where he opens up.

That’s when I realized why I like Mr. Darcy so much. We’re not that different. I, like him, don’t like being in a crowded room. In fact, one of my biggest fears is people thinking I’m stuck-up or mean because I won’t go out of my way to introduce myself in social situations.

When Mr. Bingley chastised his dear friend for not dancing at the Meryton ball, he brushes off Darcy’s complaint that he didn’t know anyone. Bingley’s argument is built solely upon the fact that many people are introduced all the time at different balls. But I get what Darcy is saying. Sure, it’s easy to be introduced at a party, but building a conversation with a stranger is not.

So while most women out there are looking for their Mr. Darcy, I am my own Mr. Darcy. What I needed was an Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the life of the party. She brushes off slights and moves own with her life. She can turn anything into a joke, including herself.

For those of you have met Reilly, you can probably see how he fits into that. Reilly fancies himself a comedian, and what can be better for someone who holds onto grudges a little to long. It’s hard to be mad when someone’s there to lighten the mood.

So for all my fellow newly-engaged couples, I wish you all the happiness in the world and whether you’re more like Darcy, Elizabeth or anyone in between that you found that person made just for you.

Julia V. Pendley is the lifestyles editor of The Daily Leader. You may email her at julia.pendley@dailyleader.com or mail a letter to her at Julia V. Pendley, Lifestyles Editor, P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602-0551.