"Relationship Not a Merger"

I state it upfront I don't have much of a clue about relationships. I wish I did. My life probably would have been so much easier and maybe even happier. Nevertheless, I see how strange relationship forming is today. It used to be that you met someone, went out and decided on a date or two if you liked each other. If you did you kept going out as a couple most likely. It didn't take negotiations, background checks, therapy reports, std reports, getting input from friends, a family gathering to discuss the new prospect, and everyone signing off on the new acquisition. Trying to be a boyfriend, or a girlfriend is like going through an acquisitions & merger process.

It used to be on a first date that you just had fun and didn't get into anything too serious. You would probably wait for the person you were dating to volunteer some information about themselves. Most likely as part of whatever you were doing. If you were at the movies you might talk about favorite movies. Not today, today every date is an audition and you had better be prepared to give your financials, fully disclose past relationships tell what your relationship to your family is, what kind of person you want to be with, and any "red flags" like AA or the fact that you have been or are in therapy.

Try saying this on a date in today's dating world: I don't want to talk that much about me; I just want to have a good time. Years ago she would have thought you the strong, silent, Gary Cooper type. Today she thinks you are in the witness protection program.

I once went on a date with a girl named Beverly Silver and while heading to the beach on the first date she wanted to know my complete financial status. I thought it was in very poor taste and laughed about it later with friends. Today, I wouldn't even blink an eye if a woman asked me that on a first date. My point is why do things have to be so complicated? Why can't we just meet , get to know each other slowly over time and have fun? It shouldn't be my people interfacing with your people!