What comes to mind when you think about Sonic the Hedgehog? Do you think fast-moving, blue-haired, red-sneaker-wearing system mascot?

Or do you think, “What the hell happened to him? Does he still exist?”

Well, I bet you didn“t think of him as a dating role model.

I“m guessing that image just didn“t come to mind. But really, think about it “ Sonic is one of the best role models for how to treat someone in a relationship.

He was the epitome of cool. He was the James Dean of video games. Sonic had this edge that just made one think that if only I could be like that, and not just some young geek playing video games in his parents“ basement.

Sonic was a badass with a heart. Like a “50s greaser trapped in a 16-bit world, he was something everyone found appealing.

Think about him: He was quick, he had attitude and style (red sneakers are pretty sweet), athletic, but his whole mission was to save the cute little woodland creatures from turning into horrible robots.

Think about the end of every level. Sonic just stood there in some cool pose while the little cute animals danced all around him.

The other thing I liked about him is that he was driven. His goals were to be successful, save some youngsters and get some rather large diamonds for his girlfriend.

What a perfect guy for his little pink hedgehog girlfriend. But what about his speed?

Sonic moved fast, yes, but that“s not always a bad thing. Fast relationships do tend to occasionally go south, but hey, sometimes they work out right. He took everyone on a wild roller coaster-like ride.

By the end of every Sonic level, the road smoothed out and there was clear sailing ahead. Sonic urged people to go on some wild ride when they presented themselves. When the hills smooth out, take some time and catch your breath.

There are plenty of times in each Sonic game when he had to move slow. Or just let something carry him along.

Those moments when Sonic wasn“t running at top speed were his best.

Having control is the most important part of that game. When you moved too fast when you weren“t supposed to, what would happen? Often you“d blindly run into stuff or fall off of an edge.

It was like coming to a realization that a relationship ended long ago and you hadn“t noticed until that point. You simply ran off the cliff.

What does one do after losing control? Simple: Pick up the pieces like Sonic does with his rings and move on to the next wild ride.

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