Spring: Of Magic and Miniskirts

Controversial when it was released back in early April 2008, former editor-in-chief Michael O’Brien shared his opinion about the first warm day in Ann Arbor. Enjoy! 

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I'm writing about the unofficial holiday we're all quietly waiting for this month. Not April Fool's Day, 4/20, or Earth Day, but the first warm day on campus. For the women reading, the immediate reaction is probably along the lines of, "Effing duh. Everyone loves warm weather and the school year coming to the year." But ladies: you think you know, but you have no idea.

(Men of Michigan, I hate to do this, but I'm afraid I have to air one of our long-kept secrets. But trust me, it'll be for the better.)

Girls, on that first warm day, something magic happens. Despite the warmness only being relative-say, low 60s and sunny-you all decide to get rid of those huge puffy coats and thick sweaters, and, out of nowhere, we start failing to make eye contact, running into trees, and begin to strategically place our textbooks in front of our groins. Our normal awkwardness is taken to all new levels, unsure of how to handle this brave new world.

Though the weather probably doesn't even warrant it, we all dress on that first day like we're headed for the beach. You break out the halter-tops and miniskirts, even though it's only in the mid-50s, and when we bust out the shorts and short sleeve t-shirts. We love this day. Spring's in the air, baseball's finally in season, the end of the semester's around the corner-and you ladies, for that one day, bring your A-game. It's a small holiday unto itself.

And the best part about the day is that we don't even have to reciprocate! Unless you're one of those gym rats or metrosexuals in the Greek system, most guys haven't spent the school year tanning or working on our physique. We can show up to class in the same jeans and shirt we've been wearing the whole semester, and no one notices. Sure, you might enjoy seeing the track team jogging down State Street. But most guys aren't on the track team. You may have a national day of fear upon viewing our hairy, pale legs, but that's the price we're willing to pay.

After that first warm day, everything goes back to normal. You wear climate-appropriate clothing once again, and the excitement about spring is put in a drawer as we're all smacked across the face by the cruel reality of exams.

So, in advance, I apologize all the awkward stuttering that day. But try not to take this phenomenon seriously; after all, men don't take it terribly seriously, either. With the possible exception of that one weird dude in cutoff shorts carrying the boombox straight out of the 80s, we're not being creepsters.

But, Women of Michigan, be aware. That first warm day is surely a-comin', and we guys are looking forward to it.

And yes, it's all guys. MR

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