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Language Lessons For The Twelve Signs: Sagittarius

(There are those who will tell you that “astrology is a language.” If you know much about languages, you know that sometimes one language will come up with a word or phrase for a unique concept that other languages haven’t caught onto — but maybe should have. In that spirit, we present this series.)

The Sign: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 22)

The Word: Zugunruhe (German, a combination of “move” and “anxiety.”

Meaning: Restless or anxious behavior of migratory animals before departing for the season.

Example:

(SCENE: Arnold’s Bavarian Restaurant. SAGITTARIUS and HIS DATE have just arrived. SAGITTARIUS fidgets uncomfortably)

DATE: I’m so glad you brought me to your favorite restaurant! I’ve been thinking… I hope this isn’t moving too fast for you, but I think we have real long-term potential.

(SAGITTARIUS examines his spoon)

DATE: ..but my parents really want to meet you after everything I’ve said about you. I want us to go see them tomorrow afternoon.

(SAGITTARIUS counts and then rearranges the packets in the artificial sweetener basket)

DATE: …and I’ve been thinking, since your apartment is so small, wouldn’t make more sense if we just got a bigger place together?

(SAGITTARIUS fold his paper napkin into an origami crane)

DATE: I think the by the third date, people with a soulmate connection like ours should be able to discuss things like what to name the children. How do you feel about Emily or Winston?

SAGITTARIUS: Excuse me, I need to go to the men’s room.

(Ten minutes later the WAITER arrives)

WAITER: Will you still be ordering today now that your date is gone?

DATE: What do you mean, “gone”?

WAITER: He mentioned this was his favorite restaurant, didn’t he? That’s because there is an emergency exit by the men’s room. He brings all of his dates here when they’re getting too clingy. Or has he puts it, “if they want all the bratwurst to themselves, then they’re just gonna get the Zugunruhe.”