Yes, there are differences between men and women but the older I get, the more I realize that we are more alike than we are different. If folks would ask themselves, "What do I value? What do I want in a mate?" then there would be no need for this endless discourse on what the opposite sex "wants".

Who the heck knows! Chemistry is an elusive thing.... But one thing I will tell you, there is nothing wrong with most men and I am, frankly, tired of man-bashing (and woman-bashing, for that matter).

It's sad that you are most likely going to breed... another generation of materialistic spoiled brats coming up!

I honestly don't give a darn if someone wants to wait. I do believe, however, that losing one's virginity is not a big deal. Do we get emotional and sentimental about learning to drive or having our first glass of wine? How about our first kiss? Sex isn't a grand metaphysical act nor is it always Hallmark card sappy (and in fact, to me, it's so much better when it's not). Sex is a biological function; it's emotionally chemical (those pesky yet oh-so-heady hormones...).

Wait, I don't care, but personally, life's too short not to live.

Gotta say, most of the time all I want is sex.

Heehee. No, I just play one on the internet.

Thank you. That's not something I generally hear...

What I'm getting at is that none of us got married thinking it wasn't the right choice. None of us got married thinking we would someday be divorced.

The person you are at 23 is not going to be the same person you will be at 35. Sorry, magical thinking is not going to change this.

What's the big deal with continuing a thread? I LOVE to argue. It's actually one of my favourite things.

You are naive. The real world is not black and white. Perhaps you should take a few philosophy classes.

Heehee. Thanks. I love it too!

Nope. He was and is a good man---and as far as I'm concerned, my marriage was not a failure as we were together for so long.

However, situations and people change and it doesn't matter how hard one works, plans, and schemes.

Yes, but the difference is, when you are able to spend time together on a regular basis, the initial giddiness transforms into something more profound. When you rarely see your partner, this crucial relationship growth is not likely to happen. People need to be WITH other people. We are social animals. We need touch and togetherness that telephones and emails can't replicate.

Heehee. Yup, you pegged me...

For your information little girl, I was married for 15 years, have a graduate degree in English Literature, owned a successful business, and am currently a writer.

Heck if I know! Must be some of that educated talk...

It's not that simple and you are more naive than I thought if you really believe your own faerie-tale.

I'm living in the SWARM, baby!

What do you folks mean by "work"? It depends on the definition. Sure a long distance relationship can work. For awhile. However, let's not be naive Hallmark pod people, once the giddiness has passed, the likelihood of said LDR moving forward into something lasting is pretty darn slim.

Yes, we all got married and had children because we weren't "family-minded". You really need to wake up. No-one gets married (unless for a "green card") believing they will get divorced. As we used to say in 80's, "sh it happens" and then *presto* you're a single parent.

Even if you manage to snag an ATM with sperm, er, I mean, a man, chances are about 50-50, you'll be divorced within 10 years.

Honestly, long distance relationships tend not to work out. Being apart causes too much stress on the relationship. I've done it and although we were together for almost two years (and are still best friends), the day-in and day-out stuff that a couple experiences when they are closer in distance, is missing and can't/couldn't be replicated by telephone and email.

Ah yes, logic at its finest.... (and you call yourself educated...)