In the News

Just a few comments on some recent news items.

First -- Love, Internet Style, from this Saturday's New York Times. This article rests on the premise that online dating is slowing down courtship in "the Age of the Hook-Up." (Age of the Hook-Up? Why wasn't I notified that we're living in the Age of the Hook-Up?! Damn!) The article goes on to describe how courtship is prolonged through extended emailing, and then somewhat awkward dating. When courtship proceeds at this leisurely pace, folks are less likely to jump into bed. I agree. It seems pretty clear to me, however, that the author of this article has never tried online dating. In the beginning, I played the courtship game -- the endless, witty email banter, then a phone call, and finally, a real live date. On which there were, in all likelihood, zero sparks. After a few rounds of leisurely courtship, I tried to fast-forward the process to real-life speed -- meet the guy as soon as possible. You can tell pretty damn quickly if there's going to be any sort of chemistry. If I met someone at a party, this is the way it would work. There wouldn't be any letter-writing exchange; we'd talk and see if any sparks flew. If they did, great, we'd go out. If not, nice to meet ya. Regardless, I'm giving the online thing a break for the time being. Too many guys, not enough sparks.

Second -- the Citizens Budget Commission released a study showing that New York State taxes are the highest in the nation. As far as I'm concerned, sometimes the good stuff is worth a little extra cash.

Comments

[Fody]

Dude, David Brock's conservative perspective on Internet dating is a little skewed. The guy probably thinks people still go to malt shops and play saddle-shoed footsie under the table. And anyway, doesn't his analysis directly contradict a recent New York magazine story on Internet dating? The weekly said the net was responsible for a casual sex revolution. David Brooks is a moron and only wants to push "traditional" courtship values.

[Laren]

Did you just call me "dude"?!?

[erika]

Hee, dude.

This isn't exactly internet dating, but Will and I, after knowing each other - casually, in passing - for a couple of years, flirted in emails. I initiated the exchanges with a dirty joke email (that I recently found!) and it went from there. So there was a brief 3 week email "courtship". Then we hooked up, had sex 6 days later, and yadda yadda yadda, we've been married for two years.

That's a funny article. What does that guy really know about internet dating? When was his last internet date?!? This paragraph made me giggle: "Online dating puts structure back into courtship. For generations Americans had certain courtship rituals. The boy would call the girl and ask her to the movies. He might come in and meet the father. After a few dates he might ask her to go steady. Sex would progress gradually from kissing to petting and beyond." Heavy petting, hah!

[Laren]

You had sex with him six days later!?! You trashy, trashy whore! (as you get to know me more, you will realize this is a term of endearment)
;-)

[erika]

But I really wanted to! I'm not Rules Girl material, huh?