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Let's accept the fact that "love" is a joke and the relationship world is purely economic
Let's not and say we did.
Sure, anything, including relationships, can be viewed through an economic framework, and our recent Western notion of romantic love contains many myths and unrealistic expectations; but I wouldn't go as far to say that love doesn't exist or is a joke.
I know it sounds shallow to think in terms of market values and upgrades and the like, but that's really the way that things work. People are not drawn to each other because of love, but for a variety of social and psychological reasons. It's plain to see that the relationship world is just a sexual economy. Look around.
Since you have seen the light and realized this is true, stop wasting your time on a forum and complaining about it.
Go to med school, become a doctor, make tons of money and you'll have women flocking at you.
It's true that much of the process of dating, hooking up, marrying, etc., can be looked at through an economic lens. That doesn't preclude the idea of love being a part of the process, especially a bit later on once you've had time to form that kind of connection.
HarryMB, you're choosing to think of this stuff in cold, clinical terms because it hurts to invest your emotions. But think of the opportunity cost of your position. While you're putting your energy into justifying why your romantic life isn't what you'd like, you could instead be enjoying your life, romance or not. It's all about rational decision making.
While relationships and dating are hardly 'purely' economic, there is certainly a component of economics there.
When people choose a partner they are making an economic exchange of sorts, and choice of partner is a crucial and perplexing life decision, up there with questions like "how much do I need to have/save before I can afford to retire".
When a person settles for a less-than-optimal partner, they are deciding that the partner they have chosen is the best they can reasonably expect to attract.
True for some, in a nutshell, anyway, and there is just so much to this. ( I may have to write a book on this subject)
People tend to be fluid. Really, settling depends on the person. It is about what you value most...
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
41,936 posts, read 36,981,862 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by srjth
I sometimes wonder is if single men in their 40's who want to fall in love exist.
Oh come on
Quote:
Originally Posted by le roi
but "falling in love", romance, etc., seem to be a one way street: feelings that a man tries to facilitate in a woman.
And a "oh come on" to you too!
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