High Society
I am a 34-year-old, single, college-educated woman,
but honestly I feel clueless when it comes to love. I've had lots of
relationships that last six months. That's the time men start professing
their love, and I find a reason to run.
I had one relationship that lasted five years, mainly because he was
a professional athlete. I'm ashamed to admit I would have stayed with
him just because of what he did for a living and the exciting lifestyle
he provided. Even then I cheated twice. No matter how great the guy
is, I always feel I might miss something better out there, or find someone
who makes more money, or is better looking.
In some way I have to prove myself to the world by finding the perfect
man. My perfect man is incredibly good-looking, has a high power or
high paying job, is strong enough to protect me, dresses hip, and has
an amazing personality.
My friends and family would tell you I'm a sweet, loving person which
I truly am. I'm very much the girl next door type. I love the simple
things in life, but for some reason my priorities become all messed
up when it comes to relationships.
Recently I met an amazing guy who wants to pursue a relationship. Honestly,
if this guy was a professional athlete, lawyer, doctor, or even owned
a highly successful business, I would be completely into him. He tells
me love is all that matters in life. But when it comes to relationships,
I don't know what love is.
Cami
Cami, in Somerset Maugham's novel "The Razor's
Edge," a man named Elliot Templeton spends his life trying to secure
a place in elite society. Elliot lives in mortal fear of not being invited
to the best parties. In the end, he dies alone. As one character in
the novel remarks, "I happen to think that we've set our ideal on the
wrong objects."
Like Elliot Templeton you attribute value to yourself by the value of
those you are with. But the problem with selling yourself to the highest
bidder is you can never be sure when you have the highest bid. Something
better may always come along.
You're clever enough, polished enough, and attractive enough to attract
powerful men, but it doesn't satisfy you. After six months, your goal
accomplished, you lack a reason to stay. Acting solely to elicit a response
from a man ensures you will believe his feelings are no more genuine
than your own.
Now you're in love with the idea of being a simple girl who loves romance,
but that idea is no more substantial than wanting a man for his looks
or his money. A man's looks, money, and fame can disappear overnight,
but a genuine connection to that man can endure as long as life itself.
Elliot Templeton loved parties, and parties are wonderful. But when
the party's over and there are cigarettes jammed into the potted plants
and glass rings on every table, you deal with that alone. Unless you're
not alone because you have someone of your own.
Wayne & Tamara
Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can
be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com. Send letters
to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Conduct Unbecoming - He wanted to marry her. She was
deeply in love with him.
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