[barmar]

Beside all the fancy stuff about shared goals, etc., there's a simple prerequisite that eludes me: you have to be willing to spend a lot of time with people, particular the same person. I can't bear the tedium of finding interesting things to talk about to someone day in and day out. I guess if you make it to the point of raising a family, that gives you a whole new set of experiences to enjoy together. But all the years of dating, living together, etc. that you have to go through to get there would drive me insane.

Someone asked whether personal relationships are like bridge partnerships. The difference is that your time spent with a bridge partner is limited to how often you play bridge together, which you can limit if you wish. You also don't have to "get along" with them in other aspects of life, or even find their opinions interesting; I've had a regular partner for 8 years, and we're even in the same profession, but we don't socialize together -- I'm not sure I could tell you his political leanings.

[PassedOut]

barmar, on Jun 14 2009, 09:25 PM, said:

Beside all the fancy stuff about shared goals, etc., there's a simple prerequisite that eludes me: you have to be willing to spend a lot of time with people, particular the same person.

Yep, you have to know the kind of person you like to spend lots of time with. And (in my opinion) you need to keep the freedom to form and maintain other interesting relationships also.

[Phil]

I'd be more worried about the inability to find a decent date.

Is this a problem for you?

If I were 20 years younger, I'm quite sure I'd be on match or e-harmony.

P.S., I would try to develop a hobby that doesn't involve bridge or clubbing. Maybe running, biking, rock climbing, 24 Hr Fitness, etc..

You could try church but I don't think that's your thing.

[Jlall]

LOL

[h2osmom]

Justin, have you thought this through? Long term relationships can lead to children. Is the world ready, and are you ready, for JLOL the second?

[jeffford76]

Would that be JRLOL?

[matmat]

Phil, on Jun 14 2009, 10:06 PM, said:

You could try church but I don't think that's your thing.

I had an acquaintance in college who discovered temple... as far as I could tell it was for the sole purpose of meeting women.