Only Certain Hearts are Bears

In my family, we use the term “bear” to denote a particular kind of person. Not everyone is a bear, though it’s certainly not something to engender jealousy. A bear is born a bear. Bears are dear people, sensitive souls, kind humans bordering on empaths. Bears are loyal, if not perhaps a little clannish at times. Bears may seem fierce in their daily lives, intimidating to some due to their great-big hearts which drive their great-big goals. But underneath the teeth and fluff lies an oh-so-squishy hyoomun, one who prefers a snack and a snooze next to their favorite bear over nearly anything else. Bears care.

So, of course, I had to read this graphic novel! Not only does my family have an affinity and connection to bears, but I also happen to be a… dissatisfied-yet-purposefully-single woman. Heh. I was tickled by the title, intrigued and hopeful that some small, joyous moment would be added to my reading adventures this year. Boy, was I not disappointed. This short story is su-weet. I know the author probably has her own personal bear mythology, but somehow this little story felt deeply personal to my bear-people! Perhaps we’re not the only Bears around…

The relationship that plays out between the woman and the bear is a joy to watch. It’s a balm to this silly, single heart. The story isn’t anything groundbreaking or new, it’s the oldest ever told. But the experiences of modern dating rang pretty true for me. The art was sweet and transported me back to all of the cushy, comfortable moments that are only present when you have a satisfying relationship. It definitely made me acutely miss those things… Hopefully some day soon I’ll be able to find my Bear.