Jeff & Britta

In one of the later episodes of Community, season 1, the blonde what’s her face – Britta – publically tells Jeff that she loves him. For a fleeting moment I thought this would all work out, Bollywood style, and that Jeff would find his heart, reciprocate the love and they’d leave together. 

When that didn’t work out, and instead Jeff stormed out, for a moment I thought he was a jerk.  A giant, callous, jerk. Yet, like most times, my initial reaction isn’t necessarily a fair one. It got me thinking about drama, public declarations and even intimate declarations.

By calling out a massive I LOVE YOU at this public function, Britta had unfairly placed Jeff in limelight that he didn’t want. We do that, sometimes. Put people in awkward, inescapable situations. Especially when it comes to sharing feelings. How do you politely hurt someone by saying you don’t want them in that way? A giant slap in the face can be found in simple declarations of love or affection.  What’s the right way to respond? What’s the wrong way?  

Declaring it in public can make it 10 times worse. It’s unfair to everyone involved. The lover hears an answer tailored for a thousand ears, and the receiver feels pressured. It’s no surprise Jeff walked away.