A little over a year ago, my friend James created a new term titled the "backflip".

Essentially, a "backflip" is a trait/quality in a potential romantic partner that is not necessary in order for them to want a relationship with them, but a strange little something that serves as an added bonus.

We called this a "backflip" after James had said he would "be instantly attracted to a girl if she could do a backflip". He is not saying a girl HAS to be able to do a backflip for him to want her, it would just be really cool.

Since we coined the term, the "backflip" has traveled across multiple states in the Southeast starting in Alabama, to Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. It has even made it to New Hampshire! For most people we ask, it is not difficult to determine what their backflip is.

Here are a few examples of some backflips I have gathered from friends:

"when he has really nice hands, with not too much hair, and some calluses"

"I would love a cowboy, like a real one that grew up on a farm that loves his mama and Jesus"

" a girl who is assertive"

"if he has a car from the 70s or 80s, I am instantly interested"

"thighs that are hard as rocks"

"I think it's really hot when a girl bites her lip"

"guys that have had something traumatic happen to them; they tend to have a more mature perspective on life and love, and never take advantage of the good things they have"

"if he has tattoos or piercings, sign me up"

"girls that are really into conspiracy theories"

"if she can drive a boat, she's instantly hot"

Again, these little traits are not necessary, just bonuses. Some are physical, some depend on personality, some come from material possessions, and more. As you can see, it definitely varies from person to person!