Mamihlapinatapai

Defined as a look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that both desire but which neither one wants to start. This could perhaps be translated more succinctly as "eye-contact implying 'after you...'". A more literal approximation is "ending up mutually at a loss as to what to do about each other". Either way, the word is cool as hell and does a great job of describing possibly one of the most frustrating aspects of dating, if not of all time. Apparently the word is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most succinct word" and I am inclined to agree. I learned this and other important lessons (like you can't tag out at home unless it's forced run or you tag the runner at the plate) at the last summer-league softball match of the season. Fortunately our team made the playoffs, so I'm excited to share what I learn this week. Or to make an all star play at home plate. Both would be good.