Friday, March 14, 2008

Yikes!

I sometimes feel as if I have problems with women.

No, make that: I always feel as if I have problems with women.

But this isn't about me.

Consider the sad plight of a Brit called Lefkos Hajji. (I don't know why all male Brits are no longer called "Sidney" or "Reginald" or "Simon.") His story was reported by Reuters:

LONDON (Reuters) - It is the one moment every man wants to get right -- and which London floor-fitter Lefkos Hajji could hardly have got more wrong.

The luckless 28 year-old's dreams of giving his sweetheart, Leanne, 26, the ultimate proposal have literally vanished into thin air.

Hajji, of Hackney, east London, had concealed a $12,000 engagement ring inside a helium balloon. The idea was that she would pop the balloon as he popped the question.

But as he left the shop, a gust of wind pulled the balloon from his hand and he watched the ring -- and quite possibly the affections of his girlfriend -- sailing away over the rooftops.

"I couldn't believe it," he told The Sun newspaper.

"I just watched as it went further and further into the air.

"I felt like such a plonker. It cost a fortune and I knew my girlfriend would kill me."


But, in the British Bulldog tradition, Hajji persevered. No, he didn't fight on the beaches or fight in the streets, but it did take him a long time to surrender. It is reported that he spent two hours driving around the area looking for the errant balloon.

Sadly, good intentions and perseverance did not warm the heart of the intended Mrs Hajji.

"...I had to tell her the story -- she went absolutely mad. Now she is refusing to speak to me until I get her a new ring."

I sympathize, Lefkos. I really do.

At least you got farther than I have. In recent years, my dreams of proposals have always deflated long before the balloon went up (so to speak).

I feel like such a plonker, too. On a regular basis.

5 comments:

Dorrie said...

sorry to say, but I don't think his sweetheart deserves him! Why get mad? how selfless! Isn't it, or shouldn't it be, the thought that counts?
I hope he gets the ring back, though.

Anonymous said...

Yes, definitely a plonker. (Him, not you.) I'm going to have to start using that term regularly. It's just so....British.

S

Anonymous said...

$12,000. Whew. I bet he felt sick.

Anonymous said...

If this is how she supports a potential mate in a crisis then she is totally unworthy -- what a callous manipulative bitch.
Lefkos, I know it hurts, I once loved an unworthy one, took me years to get over her - cut your losses while you can - consider it this way - you're lucky to have found out just how cold and selfish she is BEFORE you got legally bonded with her. She does NOT love YOU, she loves what she can get OUT of you! ;) Wake up and smell the tea, ol' boy.
There are plenty of GOOD women out there that would love to have you - and I'd not be surprised if some come seeking you now. Good luck to you. :)

John0 Juanderlust said...

The whole concept of the ring throws me. I don't know how I'll deal with that issue if the time ever comes again.
I certainly won't chance something expensive that might be unappreciated then stick it in a balloon.
I'm wondering if he shouldn't step back and take note of her lack of of empathy. Could be the Haj meister is barking up the wrong tree.