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February 13, 2007
Modern Romance
I used to think I wasn't very popular in high school. I had my own bunch of friends on the fringe of the in-group. However, several times when I've visited my hometown, various people have told me, they recognize me as having been in that bunch that all thought it was better than everyone else was. I may say that we weren't such an elite clique but it holds no sway as I normally can't recall my accuser's name or face from back in the day.
Manipulating one's image is what most people confuse with self-confidence or even success. Nevertheless, some folks are the real deal and some aren't. Pretending only gets you so far and life isn't fair. Some individuals make more money, some are better-looking than others are and in our society, those two groups tend to be attracted to one another. Is it right to trade physical attractiveness for money, power or security?
According to an article from ABC News (02/08/07), some people don't think so. Last week, a special speed-dating event was held to bring together rich gentlemen and only the loveliest of ladies. The fellows paid $500 to attend while women deemed attractive enough only laid down $30 to be there. Guys provided proof of income, while female attendees produced five photos as evidence of beauty.
The company that organized the event got hate mail from loads of disgruntled people calling the event crass and tasteless. I tend to think that's sour grapes and I take the Groucho Marx approach to such fervent reproaches, "I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member."
I've noticed that people are annoyingly coy about what they want. It's no longer polite or politically correct to admit that looks or finances count. We use silly phrases such as active, outgoing and living life to the fullest. Translation someone who's hot and knows it that has enough money to do whatever he or she wants for fun.
Recently in the blog WealthyMen.com lies you may have read that a thread on the forums appeared to be forged marketing text, so you might think twice about signing up. However, such blatant advertising masquerading as a testimonial from a fan fits well with modern romance that doesn't require much reading between the lines otherwise.
The truth is only ever half-true. I'm always humble in my profile postings, add a few extra pounds, say I'm average-looking, etc. Nevertheless, some people have felt misled by my sincere modesty. Once you realize that people are as disappointed by their own expectations as they are by anything anyone else professes, nothing is crasser than what most folks assume anyway.
Posted by Will at February 13, 2007 11:57 AM
