Face it, many young women these days are hardwired to seek the company of edgy guys. Most, unlike poor Gabby, can extract themselves from the relationship with minimum discomfort. The few that don’t get out in time may perish. The smarter ones live the fast life and then settle down with the dullard with a regular job. Some even stay married.
Like the old Chateau Hartiste guy was fond of saying, first they enjoy the Alpha phucks then cash in on the Beta bux.
Depressing, I know and not all women are thus prone. Depends on the their upbringing and how quick a learner they are.
Good post—I learned so much from writers like that in middle age—just wished I knew it when I was a teenager—explained so much I never understood before....would have saved a lot of heartbreak—and unfortunately I had no role models to teach me the real ropes.