I have found myself lately sharing my thoughts with lots of different people on dating, love, responsibility and respect within relationships, and the difference between boys and girls. I find it slightly ironic that someone who hasn't even really dated someone for like 4 years has suddenly become an informant. It's funny how distance from something gives you a broader and yet somehow more informed perspective.
Tonight a friend of mine said he thinks that a boy and a girl having dinner together (especially if he is paying for the dinner) should be considered a date. He said he thinks that it is considered a date. I had a lot of things to say about that, as you can probably imagine.
He says, "Well, what would make it a date then?" I said, "Oh you know, the statement of intent making it an official 'date', holding hands, the exchange of mutual or verbal affection for one another, kissing, and most importantly: that the sole purpose of the encounter is to 'get to know' the other person so as to progress the romantic nature of the relationship."
And I added, "Cuz, you know I've had several boys 'hang out' with me... and even pay for the food: as favors or as pay-back of some sort, and I would never presume to conclude that there were romantic intentions involved."
Of course, anyone who knows me knows that this is false. I should have said "I would hope not to presume that there were romantic intentions involved."
Therein lies the female demise. The mortal fate of my kind, the bleeding heart of the lonely friend, the "motherly" figure, the soft shoulder, the hopelessly devoted kindness and the self-less advice.
Sigh. Oh how my heart longs for days forgotten. Oh how I pang and pray for the gentlemanly nature of sturdy intentions, uninhibited honesty, unabashed passion and meek consideration for a soft heart.
I am consoled in knowing that these things that possibly bring out intimidation may some day be a blessing and a God-send to some deserving man.
