Mating Season! As I age, I contemplate way too many weird things. Like finding a mate for instance.... We see so many TV programs that have just that as their premise. It doesn't seem that the process used to be so manipulative. Although, my new found interest in period series set from the 1500s through the 1900s, shows exactly that manipulation. You were promised (betrothed) practically from birth. Eeeeewww! Marriages were arranged and actually carried out from age 12 into their teens. I can't even imagine... a 12 year old barely knows how to brush their teeth properly much less any marital task....and that brings me to another point.... If it's a task, you're with the wrong mate.
Fast forward to the 1900s....which is sadly my time period. I remember recently seeing a handbook on how to be the perfect wife in the 40s. Pretty sure I would have been either jailed or banished if I had married in the 40's. Although, I assume I acquired many of my skills, or lack thereof, by watching my elder relatives....most of whom I surmised really didn't care for each...at all. I realize there were few PDAs (public displays of affection) in the early 1900s but the only proof of any affection were the offspring....and I'm not sure the parents liked them either....
Then it was the 60s and 70s...everybody loved everybody then. It was the Age of Aquarius. That, btw, was our Senior Graduation song! Marriage became less important but mating was still high, and I use the term lightly, on many people's lists. Most men loved most women and vice versa.....maybe it was because it was so hard to tell the difference. Birth control was a thing, if you remembered to take it, and if not, well you either walked the halls with a big belly, were sent away to deliver or just became a single parent. It was the age of nobody really caring what you did.
Fast forward 50 or 60 years...yikes! We have the Bachelorette, The Bachelor, 90 Day Fiance', Married at First Sight, Sister Wives...etc.. WTH. Interesting...ok not that interesting. We must remember that this generation only knows what they've seen (or lived) and their requirements (if they have any at all) are often far different than other generations. Women want men who are handsome, employed, will let them have a mind of their own and are well endowed....not necessarily in that order. Men want someone who will wash their clothes, cook their meals, birth their children all while earning a comparable salary...oh, and large boobs! Through family experiences, salary seems to trump most of the listed female qualities.
Mating legalities..... there appear to be few. If you're not happy with your choice in a mate, dump them, divorce them or bury them... Three interesting choices. My answer to the entire fiasco is "DO NOT MARRY. I'm pretty sure Holy Matrimony is less than holy these days and the institution of marriage is just that...an institution. Who needs a piece of paper to love (and live) with someone? Who needs to say in sickness and health or for better or worse or even till death do us part...Nobody!!! It's too expensive to get in and it's too expensive to get out! Now you may think I sound pessimistically against love....not at all but I am intellectually against hypocrisy. I also have always been one to steer my own ship. I have been fortunate but not naive. Life is short!! If you're not entirely happy, your partner most likely isn't either. If your heart says you love a woman and you ARE a woman, go for it and vice versa. If your heart says, move on, move on! Spark is important but but sparks are seldom forever. If your fire continues to burn, you're a lucky soul. If not, build another fire or get a blanket. You're dead for a much longer time than you're married.... Use your head and heart in unison and remember nothing lasts forever..............unless it does♥
No comments:
Post a Comment