Nothing strikes fear and dread into the heart of an ambivalent lover quite like a conversation about getting into a serious relationship. The word serious, after all, would seem to be the complete opposite of fun — didn’t we learn that early on, as kids? Remember when the school day was divided into the basic categories of class (serious) versus recess (fun)? That sort of black-and-white categorization tends to persist into our adult lives, as we consider the weekdays (serious) versus the weekend (fun). The word adulting has even made its way into the English language, as shorthand for all those odious tasks and responsibilities we know we have to take very, very seriously. (Adultery, by contrast, has a much more fun, if terribly forbidden, flavor.) And yet, I made this particular postcard hoping to blur the lines of black and white, or even to turn those categories on their heads entirely. Let’s get serious in all the right places refers to a much more personal and individualized approach to serious, rather than relegating it to the old dark, spiral staircase of fear and loathing. Let’s commit to having a seriously enjoyable relationship! is the way the conversation between budding lovers might go, rather than trying to hold themselves to the rigid and intimidating concepts of forever commitment or unquestioning loyalty. A steady stream of open communication, of course, about whether and how they were actually enjoying the relationship would be critical, here. But, as with everything else in life, if there is a serious will to enjoy oneself, then there is definitely a way. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.