We've all been in the Missouri State University (MSU) parking lots and we all know it is an absolute nightmare trying to find a good parking spot. Some days you'll come across a prime parking spot but just as you're about to pull in, another car beats you to it and there you are sitting helplessly back at square one.

There are other days where you pull into the parking lot and boom, a beautiful parking spot right up front. It's okay to cry from happiness when this happens, believe me, everyone will understand.

However, there are also the days where you are left driving around the parking lot for what seems like an eternity until finally you settle and drive all the way back to the gravel parking lot or the top of the parking garage and just accept the L.

I can't help but think that parking in the MSU parking lots is a lot like dating.

Yes, you read that right. Let me explain myself.

When it comes to dating, you spend (again) what seems like an eternity trying to find that special someone. You swipe through Tinder or whatever other site you're using, you go out to the clubs with your friends, or hit up one of the frat parties in hopes of finding someone worth your time.

But how many times have you finally met someone who you thought was going to be it but then suddenly out of nowhere someone else swoops in and gets their attention? Kind of like when you're trying to get that great parking spot you saw but then you turn down the row only to see that someone else beat you to it. Life likes to play cruel jokes sometimes.

Or what about the times when you meet someone and sure, you like them, but they're just not the "one." Yet you find yourself still going on the occasional date with them because you don't really want to be alone. Look, yeah it's a crappy thing to do but sadly most of us have all been there. Sometimes we settle. Just like the days when we pull into the parking lot in hopes of finding a great spot but we give up, accept defeat and settle for a parking spot like, 5 miles away from campus. At least you'll get your steps in though, right?

However, there are times when you meet someone and there's just an instant connection. You've taken your precious time meeting other people and going on dates that never seem to go anywhere, but finally you come across someone who is worth it. They are worth all the bad dates and awkward encounters at parties. You finally found that person. What a time to be alive. This reminds me of when you pull into the parking lot at MSU and after you devote a decent amount of time looking for a great parking spot, you see someone walking to their car in the front row and the next thing you know you've got the spot. All that time you spent driving around the lot looking like a vulture trying to find it's next meal was all worth it. You got the golden parking spot.

Maybe none of this makes sense, but I guess the moral of this story is that sometimes you have to put in some time and have some patience to get that great parking spot. Did you think I was going to say find that special someone? No. Trying to find parking at MSU is absolute hell and I'm going to pick a parking spot in the front row over a guy every time.

Good luck out there guys. May the parking be ever in your favor.